Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Ebony Phillips, 35, of 2612 North Claremont Ave., Winston-Salem; she is charged with one count each of insurance fraud and attempting to obtain property by false pretense in Guilford County.
Department of Insurance criminal investigators accuse Phillips of providing false statements to support a claim that the vehicle she was driving was involved in a hit and run vehicle accident with Safeco Insurance Company on Aug. 10, 2016. Investigators allege Phillips had previously settled a claim for the damages in February 2016.
Phillips was arrested on Feb. 10 in Davidson County by the Lexington Police Department and released under a written promise to appear in court.
An estimated 10 cents of every dollar paid in premiums goes toward the payment of fraudulent claims. The Department of Insurance employs 20 sworn state law enforcement officers dedicated to investigating and prosecuting claims of insurance and bail bonding fraud. To report suspected fraud, contact the Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840. Callers may remain anonymous. Information is also available at www.ncdoi.gov/fraud-control.