Faranak Firozan

Full Report

Key Points

• Faranak Firozan, a 47-year-old San Jose resident, is a former senior manager of privacy and security at Nvidia, with a background in cybersecurity and fraud prevention.

• She faces felony charges for allegedly submitting over 167 fraudulent healthcare claims totaling more than $100,000 to Nvidia’s health plan, administered by Cigna, between November 2020 and January 2024.

• Firozan has also been recognized as a marketing strategist and executive coach, founding Firozan & Co., a cultural strategy firm in Santa Clara, focusing on multicultural branding and inclusion.

• Her professional history includes roles at Uber and anti-money laundering initiatives for private banks and wealth management firms.

• The fraud allegations contrast sharply with her public persona as an expert in fraud prevention, raising questions about her credibility and professional conduct.

Overview

Faranak Firozan is a multifaceted professional based in Santa Clara, California, with a career spanning cybersecurity, fraud prevention, marketing, and executive coaching. She has held significant roles, including Senior Technical Program Manager and Incident Manager at Nvidia, where she focused on privacy and security, and CyberSec Investigator/Incident Commander at Uber, where she developed a Post Incident Review program. Firozan is also the founder of Firozan & Co., a consultancy emphasizing cultural intelligence in branding, targeting diverse audiences through data-driven and empathetic marketing strategies. With academic credentials from UC Berkeley (Bachelor’s in Psychology) and Northwestern University (Master’s in Integrated Marketing Communications), she has positioned herself as a thought leader in multicultural marketing and fraud prevention, speaking at industry events like the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) Silicon Valley Chapter on topics such as “cyber laundering.” Additionally, she offers executive coaching services, targeting tech professionals to address burnout and align career goals with personal values.

Allegations and Concerns

Firozan faces serious allegations of healthcare fraud, with the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office charging her with numerous felony counts, including altering medical records with fraudulent intent, preparing false statements for insurance claims, and an aggravated white-collar crime enhancement. Between November 2020 and January 2024, she allegedly submitted 167 fraudulent claims to Nvidia’s self-insured health plan, administered by Cigna, totaling over $100,000. Many claims were reportedly fabricated, with altered dates or entirely made-up services, as verified by healthcare providers. The investigation, involving the DA’s Bureau of Investigations and the California Department of Insurance, was triggered by Cigna’s detection of suspicious activity in October 2023, particularly due to handwritten codes on claims and an unusually high volume of submissions in a single month. Firozan was charged on June 13, 2025, with an arraignment scheduled for July 15, 2025. If convicted, she faces potential prison time and restitution payments.

Customer Feedback

As Firozan’s recent activities include executive coaching and consulting through Firozan & Co., customer feedback is limited to professional testimonials and general commentary rather than direct consumer reviews:

• Positive Feedback: On platforms like LinkedIn and F6S, Firozan is praised for her coaching, with clients noting her ability to help tech professionals align personal values with career goals. One client reportedly launched a youth coding program, and another created a storytelling series for South Asian professionals, attributing their success to Firozan’s holistic approach combining mindset and strategy.

• Negative Feedback: No direct negative reviews of her coaching or consulting services were found. However, the fraud allegations have sparked public criticism, with District Attorney Jeff Rosen emphasizing the irony of a fraud prevention expert engaging in fraudulent activity: “It’s crucial for everyone, especially those who are experts in fraud prevention, to uphold the same standards they promote.” This suggests a reputational backlash within professional circles.

Risk Considerations

• Financial Risks: If convicted, Firozan may face significant financial penalties, including restitution of over $100,000 and potential fines. Her consultancy, Firozan & Co., could suffer revenue losses due to damaged credibility, as clients may hesitate to engage with a firm led by someone facing fraud charges.

• Reputational Risks: The allegations severely undermine Firozan’s reputation as a fraud prevention expert and marketing strategist. Her public persona, built on integrity and cultural intelligence, is at odds with the accusations, potentially eroding trust among clients, partners, and professional networks.

• Legal Risks: The felony charges, including the white-collar crime enhancement, carry the possibility of years in prison. Ongoing legal proceedings could disrupt her professional activities, including her consultancy and coaching services, and limit her ability to secure future roles in cybersecurity or marketing.

Business Relations and Associations

• Nvidia: Firozan served as a Senior Technical Program Manager and Incident Manager, focusing on privacy and security, until at least 2025. It is unclear if she remains employed following the charges.

• Uber: She previously worked as a CyberSec Investigator/Incident Commander, building a Post Incident Review program for a company with 91 million monthly active users.

• Firozan & Co.: Her consultancy focuses on multicultural marketing and inclusion, with plans for a 2026 hybrid consultancy and research hub offering white papers, brand audits, and CMO roundtables.

• Information Systems Security Association (ISSA): Firozan collaborated with ISSA’s Silicon Valley Chapter, providing training on “cyber laundering” in 2020.

• Professional Networks: She is active on LinkedIn and F6S, positioning herself as an executive coach and marketing strategist, with connections to tech professionals and underrepresented communities in Silicon Valley.

Legal and Financial Concerns

• Lawsuits and Charges: Firozan faces multiple felony charges for healthcare fraud, including altering medical records and preparing false statements, with an aggravated white-collar crime enhancement. The case, initiated after Cigna’s referral to the California Department of Insurance in August 2024, is supported by evidence from subpoenas, provider interviews, and bank records.

• Unpaid Debts or Bankruptcy: No records of unpaid debts or bankruptcy filings were found in available sources.

• Potential Consequences: If convicted, Firozan could face imprisonment, restitution of over $100,000, and additional fines, impacting her financial stability and professional ventures.

Risk Assessment Table

Faranak Firozan presents a complex profile: a seasoned professional with expertise in cybersecurity, fraud prevention, and multicultural marketing, contrasted by serious felony fraud allegations. Her contributions to Nvidia, Uber, and the ISSA demonstrate a strong track record in high-stakes environments, while her consultancy, Firozan & Co., positions her as a forward-thinking leader in inclusive branding. However, the healthcare fraud charges, involving over 167 fraudulent claims, cast significant doubt on her integrity and professional judgment. The irony of a fraud prevention expert allegedly engaging in fraud amplifies reputational damage, potentially limiting her ability to attract clients or speak at industry events.