North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Clifton Lewis Lemons, 65, of 105 Old Lexington Road, Thomasville, and his daughter, Brandena Leigh Lemons, 36, 302 Richardson Ave., High Point. Both were charged with insurance fraud, obtaining property by false pretense, and conspiracy, all felonies.
Special Agents with the Department of Insurance's Criminal Investigations Division accuse the two of providing misleading information to set up an Aflac insurance policy and, once the policy was in effect, submitting fraudulent ambulance and medical bills for insurance payments totaling $5,105.
The offenses occurred between July 13, 2017, and Sept. 28, 2017.
Special Agents and High Point police arrested the two on Feb. 4. They were given a $5,000 unsecured bond.
Fraud is felt every time consumers pay their insurance premiums. Commissioner Causey estimates fraud costs North Carolinians between 15 and 20 cents on every dollar paid on insurance premiums.
"Insurance fraud affects our economy. Not only does it damage insurance companies, it cheats businesses and consumers too," Commissioner Causey said. "This kind of white-collar crime is unacceptable. That's why I've doubled the number of Special Agents to investigate insurance fraud. Cracking down on fraud will put more money in the pockets of businesses and consumers."
To report suspected fraud, contact the N.C. Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840. Callers may remain anonymous. Information is also available at www.ncdoi.gov/fraud-control.