North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Cristal V.V. Joshua, 38, of 128 Georgetown Drive, Clayton. Joshua was charged with three counts of insurance fraud, two counts of obtaining property by false pretense, and one count of attempting to obtain property by false pretense, all felonies.
According to the arrest warrant, Joshua obtained $8,997.32 and attempted to obtain an additional $19,250 from USAA Insurance Agency by filing a renters’ policy insurance claim for damages that did not occur.
The offenses occurred between Sept. 16, 2018, and March 18, 2019.
Special Agents with the Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division arrested Joshua on Oct. 30. She was given an $18,000 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.