North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Mioshi A. Patterson, 40, of 235 Summerwood Drive, Raeford. Patterson was charged with insurance fraud and attempting to obtain property by false pretense, both felonies.
Special Agents with the Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division accuse Patterson of attempting to collect on an auto policy claim with N.C. Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. while knowing that the damage to her 2005 Nissan Armada occurred before the effective date on the insurance policy.
The offense occurred on Oct. 3. Patterson was arrested on Dec. 10 and released on a $1,000 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.