Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Laura Alford, 33, of 407 Straightway Drive, Fairmont; she is charged with one count each of insurance fraud and attempting to obtain property by false pretense.
Department of Insurance criminal investigators accuse Alford of presenting a fraudulent statement to support a bodily injury claim with Progressive Casualty Insurance Company on Feb. 14, 2017. Investigators allege Alford was not in the vehicle at the time of the accident.
Alford was arrested on April 20 in Robeson County with assistance from the Robeson County Sheriff's Office and placed under a $2,000 bond.
"According to the FBI, insurance fraud costs the average family between $400 and $700 per year in the form of increased premiums," said Commissioner Causey. "Consumer protection is my number one priority and I will continue to fight insurance fraud with your help."
The Department of Insurance employs 20 sworn state law enforcement officers dedicated to investigating and prosecuting claims of insurance and bail bonding fraud. To report suspected fraud, contact the Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840. Callers may remain anonymous. Information is also available at www.ncdoi.gov/fraud-control.