North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced that Philip Scott Miller, 54, of 1401 Sumner Road, Thomasville, was charged with insurance fraud and attempting to obtain property by false pretense, both felonies.
Special Agents with the Department of Insurance's Criminal Investigations Division accuse Miller of trying to obtain insurance claim benefits from Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. by telling the insurance company that pre-existing damage to his 2008 Honda Civic EX was new damage.
The offenses occurred between Dec. 21, 2018, and Jan. 25, 2019. A criminal summons was served on Miller on July 25. Miller is due in Davidson County District Court on Aug. 28.
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.com.