North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Brendal Scott Epling, 30, of 220 Newbury Park Way, Apex. Epling was charged with felony insurance fraud.
Special Agents with the Department of Insurance's Criminal Investigations Division accuse Epling of falsely telling Progressive Casualty Insurance Co. that he and his two minor children were injured during an auto wreck, when none of the three were in the vehicle at the time of the collision.
The offense occurred between Nov. 3-26, 2018.
Epling was arrested on April 5 and released on a written promise to appear in court.
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.