North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Alexander Mitchell Harris, 20, of 5086 Ches Lane, Kernersville. Harris was charged with insurance fraud and attempting to obtain property by false pretense, both felonies.
According to the arrest warrant, Harris filed a claim with National General Insurance Co. saying that his 2007 Dodge Ram pickup truck had been stolen when the vehicle had been sold to another individual.
The offense occurred between Sept. 12, 2018, and Feb. 14, 2019.
Special Agents with the Department of Insurance's Criminal Investigations Division, along with Division of Motor Vehicles officers and Forsyth County sheriff's deputies, arrested Harris on May 7. He was given a $61,000 secured bond.
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