SALISBURY — Derrick Michael Brice, 33, of 270 Claymont Drive has been charged with felony obtaining property by false pretense, according to the office of Mike Causey, state insurance commissioner.

According to the warrant, Brice obtained $7,132.72 from Mutual of Omaha Insurance Co. by falsifying and forging information on new insurance policies.

Special agents with the N.C. Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division say five insurance policies were falsified while Brice was an agent or broker for the company.

Salisbury police arrested Brice on May 8. He was placed under $1,000 secured bond.

Insurance fraud costs American consumers about $80 billion a year. According to Causey, fraud costs North Carolinians between 15 and 20 cents of every dollar paid on insurance premiums — and it’s getting worse.

“I am determined to stem the tide of insurance fraud in this state in order to save residents money,” said Causey. “That’s why I am dedicated to the mission of our NCDOI law enforcement officers who investigate and prosecute claims of insurance and bail bonding fraud.”

To report suspected fraud, contact the N.C. Department of Insurance Criminal Investigation Division at 919-807-6840. Callers may remain anonymous. Information is also available at www.ncdoi.com.