North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of James Brian Shaffer, 36, of 300 S. High St., Asheboro. Shaffer 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 Shaffer of telling Liberty Mutual Insurance Corp. that his 2007 Chrysler Aspen sustained damage from a single-car crash after he added insurance coverage to the vehicle. The crash actually occurred earlier when Shaffer only had liability coverage on the car.
The offenses occurred between Aug. 15-17, 2020.
Special agents and Randolph County deputies arrested Shaffer on April 15. He was released under $5,000 unsecured bond.
"Insurance fraud is a crime affecting everyone,” Commissioner Causey said. “Approximately 20% of insurance premium costs go to pay for insurance fraud.”
Since 2017, Commissioner Causey has more than doubled the number of special agents investigating fraud and white-collar crimes. As a result, special agents from 2017 through 2020 have made 1,612 arrests.
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.