North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey announced today the arrest of Wayne Anthony Artis, 45, of 190 Sparrow Road, Eden. Artis is charged with insurance fraud and obtaining property by false pretense.
According to special agents with the N.C. Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division, Artis told Progressive Southeastern Insurance Group that the windows of his vehicle were damaged by vandalism during coverage, when the damage actually occurred prior to coverage. The value of the repair was listed at $1,406,07.
The incident occurred on Jan. 2, 2024, according to the arrest warrants.
Artis was arrested on Nov. 20 and released on a $1,500 secured bond. He is set to appear in Rockingham County District Court on Dec. 12.
“Insurance fraud hits consumers in the wallet,” Commissioner Causey said. “Approximately 20 cents of every insurance premium dollar goes to covering the cost of fraud. I’m fighting this by aggressively pursuing and prosecuting insurance fraud 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.
Information is also available at www.ncdoi.gov.