Ga. Agent Charged with Defrauding Client

Georgia Insurance Commissioner John W. Oxendine said an investigation by his Fraud Unit resulted in a Valdosta insurance agent being arrested and charged with defrauding one of his clients.

Dustin Ty Arnold, 24, has been charged with one count each of insurance fraud, forgery, and computer forgery, Oxendine said. Arnold was arrested by deputies from the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office.

Arnold allegedly attempted to take out a $4,700 loan on a life insurance policy held by one of his clients.

“On Aug. 21, 2003, Arnold applied for the policy loan without the
policyholder’s knowledge or consent,” Oxendine said. “He also forged the client’s name on the check in order to deposit it into his own account.”

Felony insurance fraud carries a penalty of two to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Anyone with any information about this case or any suspicious insurance scheme should call the Fraud Hotline in Commissioner Oxendine’s Office at:
(800) 726-6070.