North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Clyde Lee Crawford, 34, of 7018 Farmdale Road, Raleigh. Crawford was charged with felony insurance fraud and felony attempting to obtain property by false pretense.
Special agents with the Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division accuse Crawford of falsely reporting lost items to USAA Insurance in an attempt to obtain $3,109 on an auto policy.
According to the warrant, Crawford falsely reported that an iPad, a wedding band, and a USMC ring were lost.
The offense occurred between Dec. 30, 2017, and June 18, 2018. Crawford was arrested on June 19 and placed under a $6,000 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.