North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Miguel Rodriguez, 46, of 7665 Southbend Drive, Fayetteville. Rodriguez was charged with felony insurance fraud, felony obtaining property by false pretense, and two counts of felony identity theft.
Special agents from the Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division accuse Rodriguez of falsely representing himself under the name of Nelson Lopez when filing auto accident claims. Rodriguez received two electronic checks totaling $10,931 from Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co., according to arrest warrants.
One identity theft offense occurred on July 5, 2014, while the remaining offenses occurred between March 23, 2017, and Aug. 14, 2017, according to the warrants.
Rodriguez was arrested on June 13 in Cumberland County and placed under a $12,000 secured 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.