North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Avery Larnell Cummings, 36, of 600 Lincoln St. Lot 1, Wilson. Cummings 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 Cummings of presenting an altered title to Geico Indemnity Co. in support of an auto insurance claim.
According to the arrest warrant, the offense occurred between May 11 and June 12.
Wilson police arrested Cummings on Sept. 21. He was given a $5,000 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 Investigations Division at 919-807-6840. Callers may remain anonymous. Information is also available at www.ncdoi.gov/fraud-control.