North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Tiaania Marie Melvin, 19, of 816 Lisbon St., Clinton. Melvin was charged with insurance fraud, a felony.
Special agents with the Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division accuse Melvin of telling Progressive Insurance Co. that damage to her 2017 Dodge Journey occurred on Nov. 7, 2020, when it occurred before she took out the insurance policy.
The offense occurred on Nov. 9, 2020.
Melvin was arrested on Jan. 26 and released under a $4,500 unsecured bond. She is due in Sampson County District Court on Feb. 19.
"It troubles me that some people think insurance fraud is a victimless crime,” Commissioner Causey said. “Nearly 20 cents of every insurance premium dollar goes to cover the cost of insurance fraud. Consumers are the real victims of this kind of criminal behavior.”
Over the past three years, CID Special Agents recovered nearly $12 million used in fraudulent activities. That money has been 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.