North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Mary Peters, 36, of the 2100 block Wisteria Drive, Wilmington. Peters was charged with insurance fraud and obtaining property by false pretense, both felonies.
According to the arrest warrant, Peters submitted a false insurance renters’ policy claim to USAA Insurance by claiming items were stolen during a break-in at a Burgaw residence during Hurricane Florence. The items reported stolen were in the residence several months later. She received $3,278.63 from the insurance company as a result of the claim, the warrant says.
The offense occurred on Sept. 20, 2018.
Special Agents with the Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division arrested Peters on Nov. 1. She was released under $5,000 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.