North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced that Markel Tremayne Brooks, 25, of 3626 Belmont St. Apartment X, Greensboro, was charged with misdemeanor making a false statement on an insurance application.
According to a criminal summons, Brooks filed an application to reinstate a lapsed auto insurance policy after being in a car accident. During the reinstatement process, Brooks falsified and misrepresented orally and in writing the actual date of the accident, the summons says. The offense occurred between Feb. 11 and March 6.
The Guilford County Sheriff’s Office served the criminal summons on Brooks in Guilford County on May 11. He was given a June 11 court date.
Insurance fraud costs American consumers approximately $80 billion dollars a year. According to Commissioner Causey, fraud costs North Carolinians between 15 and 20 cents of every dollar paid on insurance premiums -- and it’s getting worse.
“I am determined to stem the tide of insurance fraud in this state in order to save residents money,” said Commissioner Causey. “That’s why I am dedicated to the mission of our NCDOI law enforcement officers who investigate and prosecute claims of insurance and bail bonding fraud.”
To report suspected fraud, contact the N.C. Department of Insurance Criminal Investigation Division at 919-807-6840. Callers may remain anonymous. Information is also available at www.ncdoi.gov/fraud-control.