North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Jimmy Edward Brown, 36, of 811 Surl-Mount Tirzah Road, Timberlake. Brown was charged with felony insurance fraud.
Special Agents with the Department of Insurance's Criminal Investigations Division accuse Brown of giving Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Co. false information when filing an automobile policy claim.
According to the arrest warrant, Brown told the insurer that his car had been stolen at the time of an accident. Agents discovered Brown permitted an acquaintance to drive the car when the accident happened.
The offense occurred between June 25-30, 2018.
Fraud is felt every time consumers pay their insurance premiums. Commissioner Causey estimates fraud costs North Carolinians between 15 and 20 cents on every dollar paid on insurance premiums.
"Insurance fraud affects our economy. Not only does it damage insurance companies, it cheats businesses and consumers too," Commissioner Causey said. "This kind of white-collar crime is unacceptable. That's why I've doubled the number of Special Agents to investigate insurance fraud. Cracking down on fraud will put more money in the pockets of businesses and consumers."
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.