Hall of Fame NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, who died along with his wife and two children in a plane crash, may have been targeted by fraud within hours of the tragedy, authorities said Friday.
Background
Biffle, a decorated stock car racing veteran with multiple Cup Series victories, was piloting a private aircraft when it crashed in rural North Carolina on Thursday afternoon. The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the cause of the crash that claimed four lives. Within hours of the accident being reported, authorities began receiving reports of suspicious activity involving Biffle's financial accounts.
The Investigation
North Carolina Bureau of Investigation spokesperson Agent Maria Santos confirmed Friday that her agency is working with local law enforcement on what they describe as 'a multi-pronged fraud and burglary scheme' targeting the deceased driver's estate. 'The timing and sophistication suggest whoever did this may have had advance knowledge of the crash or direct access to information about Mr. Biffle's personal affairs,' Santos said during a press briefing.
The investigation indicates that within approximately six hours of the crash being publicly reported, someone attempted to access at least three financial accounts associated with Biffle. Simultaneously, authorities received reports of individuals attempting to gain entry to the driver's residence in Mooresville, North Carolina.
North Carolina Attorney General's Office confirmed Friday evening that it has opened a formal investigation into potential financial exploitation of a deceased person, which carries penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment under state statute. No arrests have been made as of publication time.
Key Takeaways
- Greg Biffle, his wife Lisa, and two children died Thursday when their private aircraft crashed in rural North Carolina
- Authorities received reports of attempted account access within hours of the crash becoming public knowledge
- Investigators are examining whether the fraud scheme involved someone with insider access to Biffle's personal or financial information
- No suspects have been publicly identified, and authorities have not disclosed specific dollar amounts allegedly targeted
What's Next
Authorities are expected to provide additional details next week as the investigation develops. The NTSB preliminary report on the plane crash is anticipated within 30 days. Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information about suspicious activity involving Biffle's accounts or property to contact the North Carolina Bureau of Investigation tip line.