North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Nicholas McFarland, 25, of 3890 Old Vineyard Road Apartment 40-A, Winston-Salem. McFarland was charged with felony insurance fraud.
According to the arrest warrant, McFarland filed an auto policy claim on Aug. 31, 2017, for damages to a 2005 Mustang with Geico knowing that he had previously filed damages for the vehicle with National General Insurance Co. on May 12, 2017.
Special agents with the Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division say that McFarland switched from National General to Geico after National General denied the initial claim.
Winston-Salem police arrested McFarland on Dec. 28. He was given a $2,500 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 Investigations Division at 919-807-6840. Callers may remain anonymous. Information is also available at www.ncdoi.gov/fraud-control.