Man Accused Of Faking Water Damage For Insurance Money

RALEIGH, N.C., April 29 -- The North Carolina Department of Insurance issued the following news release:

Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin is asking for the public's help in identifying potential victims of an alleged insurance fraud scheme.

Clarence Jackson, 46, was taken into custody in Virginia and extradited to North Carolina on Feb. 26, 2014, where he remains in custody and has been charged with insurance fraud, obtaining property by false pretense and common law forgery in Northhampton, Vance and Edgecombe counties.

Jackson is accused of defrauding insurance companies on three occasions between August and late October 2013 by staging water damage in homes and helping the homeowners make false or exaggerated insurance claims to his benefit. According to arrest warrants, Jackson pretended to be a family member of the homeowner. Insurance companies paid out more than $150,000 for the allegedly fraudulent claims for which Jackson has been charged.

If you or someone you know has come in contact with Clarence Jackson and suspect fraudulent activity, contact the North Carolina Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations at 919-807-6840. According to investigators, Jackson may be known as Jeremiah, Jalil or other aliases and may have offered to assist homeowners with insurance claims through radio advertisements. Jackson is accused of having used the following restoration company names: Quality Restoration and Cleaning, Restoration on Demand, Dependable Restoration, and All Purpose Restoration.

The Department of Insurance employs 20 sworn state law enforcement officers dedicated to investigating and prosecuting claims of insurance and bail bonding fraud. Since Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin took office in 2009, criminal investigators have made more than 800 arrests, resulting in more than 430 criminal convictions. These efforts have delivered more than $55 million in restitution and recoveries for victims.

An estimated 10 cents of every dollar paid in premiums goes toward the payment of fraudulent claims. To report suspected fraud, contact the Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840. Callers may remain anonymous. Information is also available at www.ncdoi.com.

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