North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Alesia Braswell Alwahishi of 206 W. Watson St., Selma. Alwahishi was charged with felony insurance fraud and felony obtaining property by false pretense.
According to the arrest warrant, Alwahishi told USAA Insurance Co. that a car driven by a motorist insured by USAA damaged the tailgate of her 2005 Toyota 4-Runner in a vehicle accident on May 19, 2017, when in fact the damage was pre-existing. The false pretense charge stems from Alwahishi receiving a $1,727.07 claim from USAA by making the same false statement.
Alwahishi was arrested on April 25 in Johnston County and placed under a $2,000 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.