Montgomery County Insurance Scandal: How a National Guard Member Tricked the System for $400K

The Shocking Case of Fraud That Fooled an Insurance Giant

In a bold scheme that reads like a crime thriller, a Montgomery County man allegedly scammed a major insurance company out of nearly $400,000 by faking his own death—while still very much alive. Christopher W. Yocum, a 40-year-old National Guard member from Hatfield, now faces serious legal consequences after investigators unraveled his elaborate deception.

How the Scheme Unfolded

• The Fake Death: Yocum reportedly submitted forged documents to National Guardian Life Insurance Company, claiming he had died from natural causes.
• Payout Collection: His alleged accomplice, identified as co-conspirator "Person 1," attempted to collect a staggering $397,500 death benefit.
• Red Flags: Investigators became suspicious when the documents didn't match official records—no death certificate existed for Yocum.

The Investigation That Brought It All Crashing Down

1. Insurance investigators grew suspicious when they couldn't verify Yocum's death through official channels.
2. Authorities discovered Yocum was very much alive, still serving in the Pennsylvania National Guard.
3. Further digging revealed the submitted death certificate and other documents were clever forgeries.

Legal Consequences and Ongoing Fallout

Yocum now faces multiple felony charges, including insurance fraud and conspiracy. If convicted, he could spend years behind bars. The case serves as a stark warning about the serious consequences of insurance fraud—a crime that ultimately drives up costs for honest policyholders.

What Do You Think?

• Should insurance companies implement even stricter verification processes?
• Is the potential punishment too harsh for this type of white-collar crime?
• Could this case lead to changes in how the National Guard handles insurance policies?
• Does society take insurance fraud seriously enough compared to other financial crimes?