North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced that Eric T. Marshall, 26, and Michelle Jeanette Peppers, 27, both of 6214 Patric Alan Court, Charlotte, were charged with felony insurance fraud.
Special Agents with the Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division accuse the two of providing false information to Geico to support a lost wages claim.
According to criminal summonses, Peppers presented a document saying she was an employee of Hilton Garden Inn and Marshall presented a document indicating he was an employee of Fluor Maintenance Services Inc. However, Employment Security Commission records revealed that neither were employed by the establishments at the time.
The offenses occurred between Jan. 8 and Feb. 28. Both are due in Mecklenburg County District Court on Aug. 12.
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.