North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Sequan Tripp, 25, of 411 Dunn St., New Bern. Tripp was charged with insurance fraud and attempting to obtain property by false pretense, both felonies.
According to the arrest warrant, Tripp submitted a fictitious police report in support of a renter’s insurance claim with State Farm Fire & Casualty Co. for payment of personal property reported stolen from his home.
The offenses occurred between May 15-20.
Special Agents with the Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division along with Craven County deputies arrested Tripp on Sept. 15. He was given a $10,000 secured bond.
Commissioner Causey estimates fraud costs North Carolinians between 15 and 20 cents on every dollar paid on insurance premiums, maybe more. That’s why he has cracked down on this white-collar crime by boosting the NCDOI Criminal Investigations Division.
Over the past two years, CID Special Agents recovered $7.5 million in damages – money that was returned to consumers and insurance companies. The restitution also helps preserve insurance rates.
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.
