Charlotte man accused of using stolen identities, fake insurance to buy vehicles

By Staff Reports

A Charlotte man is facing 14 felony charges after North Carolina investigators accused him of using stolen identities and fraudulent auto insurance policies in a scheme to purchase vehicles across multiple counties.

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey announced the arrest of Joshua Alexander Willis, 35, of Charlotte.

Willis is charged with insurance fraud, obtaining property by false pretenses, attempting to obtain property by false pretenses and identity theft.

According to the North Carolina Department of Insurance's Criminal Investigations Division, Willis added individuals to Progressive Premier Insurance automobile insurance policies without their knowledge to obtain proof of insurance for vehicle purchases made in those individuals' names.

Investigators said the scheme involved multiple victims and transactions spanning several counties.

In Union County, Willis faces insurance fraud charges tied to an attempt to purchase a 2022 Dodge Challenger.

Authorities said the warrant was served Aug. 28, and bond was set at $220,000 secured.

In Gaston County, Willis is charged in connection with an attempt to purchase a 2026 Ford Mustang. The warrant was served Sept. 14, and bond was set at $75,000 secured.

Investigators also filed eight felony charges in Mecklenburg County, alleging Willis attempted to purchase multiple vehicles from dealerships using false identities and fraudulent insurance policies.

The warrant was served Sept. 15, and bond was set at $75,000 secured.

The investigation remains ongoing.

"Insurance fraud is not a victimless crime," Causey said. "I'm fighting this aggressively to help hold down future rate increases."

North Carolina officials have expanded insurance fraud enforcement efforts in recent years. The Department of Insurance reported 380 fraud-related arrests and 199 convictions in 2025 while recovering $6.4 million in fraudulent expenditures. State officials said recoveries have exceeded $20 million so far in 2026.

The department cites a study by the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud estimating insurance fraud costs Americans $308.6 billion annually.

Officials have said those costs contribute to higher insurance premiums for consumers.