RALEIGH — A Lumberton man was charged with insurance fraud this week for falsely reporting a home burglary and collecting insurance money, according to a statement from the North Carolina Department of Insurance.

Kenneth Neil Price, 50, of 429 Wilton Drive, surrendered to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office on Monday and was released under a $5,000 unsecured bond, according to the statement.

Investigators with the department and the Sheriff’s Office say that Price falsely reported a home burglary on July 7, 2010, and filed a fraudulent claim with Nationwide Insurance for a large amount of stolen property.

Price allegedly received $9,470.98 even though the personal items were not actually stolen.

The Department of Insurance employs 20 sworn state law enforcement officers dedicated to investigating and prosecuting claims of insurance and bail bonding fraud. Criminal investigators have received more than 13,500 complaints, resulting in 575 arrests, 320 criminal convictions and more than 109 cases currently pending a court appearance since Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin took office in 2008.

These arrests have resulted in more than $47.9 million in restitution and recoveries for victims.

To report suspected fraud, contact the Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840. Callers may remain anonymous.