North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Julius Jerome Oden, 42, of 76 Whootentown Road, Washington, N.C. He was charged with felony insurance fraud and felony attempting to obtain property by false pretense.
Special agents with the N.C. Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division accuse Oden of submitting a fraudulent claim to USAA stating that $8,283 worth of electronic items were stolen during a break-in of his car.
The offenses occurred between Feb. 13 and May 29 in Beaufort County, according to the warrant. Oden was arrested on May 29 and given an $8,000 unsecured bond.
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.