North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Lizbeth Cabrera Appleget, 30, of 109 Weaver St., Randleman. Appleget was charged with felony insurance fraud.
According to the arrest warrant, Appleget provided a fraudulent tow bill to Geico to support a claim that her auto was damaged after a policy was in effect. However, the damage to her vehicle occurred when she had no coverage on it, the warrant says.
The offense occurred between Dec. 14-26, 2018.
Special Agents with the Department of Insurance's Criminal Investigations Division, along with Randleman police, arrested Appleget on March 16. She was given a $1,500 secured 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.