North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey announced today the arrest of Nicholas McArthur Bennett, 43, of 419 Beasley Dr., Greenville, NC. Bennett was charged with two counts of identity theft and one count of obtaining property by false pretense greater than or equal to $100,000. All counts are felonies.
According to special agents with the NC Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division, Bennett obtained the name, the date of birth and social security numbers of two persons. He made credit transactions in their names, then submitted and sold life insurance policies of the unknowing individuals from American-Amicable Group, Great Western Insurance Co., Liberty Bankers Insurance Group, Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance Company and United Home Life Insurance Co. to obtain $151,068.90.
According to the arrest warrant, the offenses occurred on Dec. 19, 2023.
Bennett was arrested on Aug. 15 and released on $300,000 secured bond. He appeared in Pitt County District Court on August 16 (today).
“This case was extremely complex and I wish to thank all of the agents involved in bringing it to light,” Commissioner Causey said. “Consumers should be on the lookout to ensure their private information does not fall into the wrong hands. Our department will continue to pursue and prosecute all manner of insurance-related fraud crimes in North Carolina.”
If you suspect insurance fraud or other white-collar crimes, please report it. You may anonymously report fraud by calling the N.C. Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840 or toll free from anywhere in North Carolina at 888-680-7684.