North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Michael Stephen Linardy, 56, of 2310 Red Carpet Drive, Fuquay Varina. Linardy is 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 Linardy of falsely telling United Services Automobile Association that his wife’s wedding ring was lost when the ring was in his possession when he filed the claim.
According to the arrest warrant, Linardy attempted to collect $8,910.72 from USAA by filing the claim.
The offenses occurred between May 23 and June 11.
Linardy was arrested on June 17.
“Insurance fraud hurts consumers,” Commissioner Causey said. “Approximately 20% of your insurance premium goes to cover the cost of fraud. That’s why I’m aggressively pursuing and prosecuting insurance fraud in North Carolina.”
If you suspect insurance fraud or other white-collar crimes, you can report it anonymously by calling the N.C. Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840. Information is also available at www.ncdoi.gov.