ATLANTA, GA. (Atlanta News First) – A spokesperson from Georgia Insurance Commissioner John King’s office says investigators shut down an alleged insurance scheme that duped local car dealerships and customers.
In November, Clayton County police arrested 33-year-old Deamarkis Barber from Conyers for multiple counts of insurance fraud. He faces crimes in Gwinnett, DeKalb, Fulton, Cobb, Douglas, Paulding and Rockdale counties. He is in custody at the Clayton County Jail.
Investigators issued a warrant for Barber’s arrest in 2021 for allegedly selling fake car insurance policies through Cash App and other payment apps. He allegedly took in $3,000-$5,000 a month from hundreds of customers.
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Atlanta News First confirmed that Barber is not licensed in Georgia to sell insurance. Still, police say he created three companies to dupe victims: All-Citi Insurance Group, Dirt Cheap Insurance and Policy Pro.
Police allege that Barber convinced salesmen at local car dealerships to promote his companies. If a customer agreed, Barber would send a text with a policy and a monthly payment request.
Investigators said that following a report by Atlanta News First Consumer Investigator Better Call Harry, four more dealerships contacted them about the alleged scheme.
The Georgia Insurance Commissioner’s office wants victims of fraud to call its tip line at (404) 463-0953.
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Based in New York, Stephen Freeman is a Senior Editor at Trending Insurance News. Previously he has worked for Forbes and The Huffington Post. Steven is a graduate of Risk Management at the University of New York.