North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Adrian Lopez, 19, of 121 Cobalt Creek, Holly Springs. Lopez was charged with insurance fraud and attempting to obtain property by false pretense, both felonies.
According to the arrest warrant, Lopez told Progressive Casualty Insurance Co. that his motorcycle was involved in an accident after he added full-coverage insurance to his liability policy, when the wreck took place before the change.
The offenses occurred on March 12.
Special Agents with the Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division, along with Wake County deputies, arrested Lopez on Oct. 8. A $6,000 secured bond was set pending an Oct. 29 hearing in Wake County District Court.
Commissioner Causey estimates fraud costs North Carolinians between 15 and 20 cents on every dollar paid on insurance premiums, maybe more. That’s why he has cracked down on this white-collar crime by boosting the NCDOI Criminal Investigations Division.
Over the past two years, CID Special Agents recovered $7.5 million in damages – money that was returned to consumers and insurance companies. The restitution also helps preserve insurance rates.
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.