Five insurance fraud investigators from North Carolina come to Oklahoma to help

Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John Doak says five insurance fraud investigators from North Carolina have joined his team to help out in the areas ravaged by May's tornadoes.

In a statement sent to KRMG, Doak said  “insurance companies have already paid out more than $250 million in storm claims. Unfortunately, those claim dollars are often the target of unscrupulous individuals who prey on disaster victims at a time when they are emotionally devastated and most susceptible to fast-talking scam artists. We have to do all we can to prevent that.”

Oklahoma Insurance Department anti-fraud investigators have been on the ground since the first tornadoes struck May 19, but the extra help from out of state will allow them to double the amount of ground they can cover, Doak says.

“As soon as I learned about the storm damage in Oklahoma, I asked how the North Carolina Department of Insurance could be of assistance," said North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin. “My team is committed to supporting Commissioner Doak and the Oklahoma Insurance Department as they help their communities recover. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Oklahoma during this difficult time.”

Consumers wishing to report possible insurance fraud can call the Consumer Assistance Division at 1-800-522-0071.