North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Dakwon Antonio Bunch, 28, of 113 Kings Parkway, Raleigh. Bunch is charged with two counts of felony insurance fraud, one count of felony obtaining property by false pretense, and one count of attempting to obtain property by false pretense, also a felony.
Special agents with the Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division accuse Bunch of presenting false information for two separate insurance claims with Geico Indemnity Co.
According to arrest warrants, Bunch provided the claims adjustor with a RimTyme rental agreement in support of a theft claim for four rims and tires, which had been used to support a previous theft claim for the same merchandise. RimTyme sells and leases custom wheels and tires. That offense occurred in Harnett County. According to the warrant, the false pretense charge consisted of Bunch receiving $1,149.05 for that claim.
In the second claim, which occurred in Cumberland County, Bunch provided the claims adjuster with a forged RimTyme rental agreement for rims and tires that were reportedly stolen, the warrant says.
The offenses occurred on Dec. 27, 2017, and Feb. 4, 2018. Bunch turned himself in to the Raleigh Police Department on June 26. He was placed under $10,000 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.