North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Rodney L. Wilhelm, 36, of 2171 Phibbs Road, Elon. Wilhelm was charged with felony insurance fraud.
Special agents with the N.C. Department of Insurance's Criminal Investigations Division accuse Wilhelm of submitting fictitious information on an insurance claim to The General Insurance Co. in an attempt to obtain money for injuries and auto damage. The offense occurred on May 17, according to the arrest warrant.
Alamance County sheriff's deputies arrested Wilhelm on Dec. 3. He was given a written promise to appear in court.
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.