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Charlotte man charged in multi-county insurance fraud scheme

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A man from Charlotte, Joshua Alexander Willis, has been arrested and charged with 14 felonies related to insurance fraud. He allegedly added people to car insurance policies without their knowledge to create fake proof of insurance for purchasing vehicles in their names. This scheme involved multiple counties in North Carolina, including Union, Gaston, and Mecklenburg. Willis faces serious charges for trying to buy expensive cars like a Dodge Challenger and a Ford Mustang using fraudulent identities and insurance. Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey urges the public to report any suspicious activities to help combat insurance fraud and keep premiums low.

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RALEIGH Sep 21, 2026 North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Joshua Alexander Willis, 35, of 4501 Riverdale Drive, Charlotte. Willis is charged with 14 felonies across multiple counties including insurance fraud, obtaining property by false pretense, attempting to obtain property by false pretense and identity theft. Investigators from the Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division accuse Willis of fraudulently adding individuals to Progressive Premier Insurance automobile insurance policies without their knowledge to provide proof of insurance for fraudulent vehicle purchases he also made in their names. All warrants were served by the Union County Sheriff’s office, but the individuals and vehicles vary by county. In Union County, Willis faces felony insurance fraud charges in an attempt to purchase a 2022 Dodge Challenger. The warrant was served on Aug. 28, and a secured bond was set at $220,000. In Gaston County Willis faces felony insurance fraud charges in an attempt to purchase a 2026 Ford Mustang. The warrant was served on Sept. 14, and bond was set at $75,000, secured. Willis faces eight felony charges in Mecklenburg County while attempting to purchase multiple vehiclesfrom auto dealerships under false identities with fraudulent insurance policies, according to an arrest warrant. The warrant was served on Sept. 15. Bond was set at $75,000, secured. This investigation is ongoing. Commissioner Causey encourages North Carolinians to help keep insurance premiums low by reporting suspicious fraud. “Insurance fraud is not a victimless crime,” Commissioner Causey said. “I’m fighting this aggressively to help hold down future rate increases.” If you suspect insurance fraud or other white-collar crimes, please report it. You may anonymously report fraud by calling the N.C. Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840 or toll free from anywhere in North Carolina at 888-680-7684. Information is also available at www.ncdoi.gov . Related Topics: NCDOI NC Department of Insurance Press Release Fraud Control/Investigations Investigations Press Release