A Forsyth County man has been apprehended and is facing multiple charges after an alleged attempt to defraud an insurance company. William Sanders, age 42, of Rural Hall, has been arrested in Ohio and is charged with insurance fraud and obtaining property under false pretense—both felonies—along with the misdemeanor offense of making a false report to a police station, North Carolina Department of Insurance reported.
North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey announced that Sanders falsely claimed his 2016 GMC Sierra 3500 had been stolen, when it had in fact been towed from an Alabama gas station lot. According to the arrest warrant, Sanders filed a bogus claim with GEICO Indemnity Corp., which resulted in him receiving a $24,134.82 insurance payment under false pretense. The fraudulent activity took place between January 20 and January 23, 2023. Sanders has since been extradited to North Carolina and his bond was set at $10,000, secured.
Insurance fraud is a crime that Causey emphasizes impacts everyone, stating, “Insurance fraud is not a victimless crime.” He expanded on the repercussions by explaining, "It hits all of us in the pocket through higher premiums." Commissioner Causey's office urges people to report any suspicions of insurance fraud in an effort to help maintain affordable insurance premiums for the public, the North Carolina Department of Insurance reported.
Residents in North Carolina are encouraged to be vigilant and report any suspected insurance fraud or related white-collar crimes. This can be done anonymously by contacting the Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division by phone, or by visiting www.ncdoi.gov. Individuals can reach out at 919-807-6840, or toll free, at 888-680-7684.
