North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Jeremiah Randall Whitt, 37, of 1316 N.C. Highway 57 North, Milton. Whitt was charged with insurance fraud and obtaining property by false pretense.
Whitt is accused of providing false and misleading information to Auto Owners Insurance Company. He said that he had purchased goods to replace stolen items, when he had not purchased them. He is also accused of materially altering cost replacement estimates in an attempt to make them look like receipts.
Whitt was arrested and released on a $5,000 unsecured bond.
Insurance fraud costs American consumers approximately $80 billion dollars a year. According to Commissioner Causey, fraud costs North Carolinians between 15 and 20 cents of every dollar paid on insurance premiums -- and it’s getting worse.
“I am determined to stem the tide of insurance fraud in this state in order to save residents money,” said Commissioner Causey. “That’s why I am dedicated to the mission of our NCDOI law enforcement officers who investigate and prosecute claims of insurance and bail bonding fraud.”
To report suspected fraud, contact the N.C. Department of Insurance Criminal Investigation Division at 919-807-6840. Callers may remain anonymous. Information is also available at www.ncdoi.gov/fraud-control.