North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced that special agents from the N.C. Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division filed insurance fraud and other related charges against two Goldsboro women.
Janette Katrina Darden, 43, of 606-D S. Andrews St., Goldsboro, was arrested and charged with felony insurance fraud, felony attempting to obtain property by false pretense, and felony conspiracy to obtain property by false pretense. She was arrested on April 24 in Wayne County and placed under a $10,000 secured bond.
Carlena Denise Hunt, 45, of 404-4 Wayne Ave, Goldsboro, was served a criminal summons and charged with felony insurance fraud, felony attempting to obtain property by false pretense, and felony conspiracy to obtain property by false pretense.
According to warrants, the two claimed that they were injured in a car – Darden as the driver and Hunt as a passenger – that was involved in a three-vehicle accident on Sept. 26, 2017, when in fact the other two vehicles never hit the vehicle that Darden and Hunt were in.
The two filed claims with National General Insurance Co. However, as a result of an investigation by the insurance company, no claims were paid.
Insurance fraud costs American consumers approximately $80 billion dollars a year. According to Commissioner Causey, fraud costs North Carolinians between 15 and 20 cents of every dollar paid on insurance premiums -- and it’s getting worse.
“I am determined to stem the tide of insurance fraud in this state in order to save residents money,” said Commissioner Causey. “That’s why I am dedicated to the mission of our NCDOI law enforcement officers who investigate and prosecute claims of insurance and bail bonding fraud.”
To report suspected fraud, contact the N.C. Department of Insurance Criminal Investigation Division at 919-807-6840. Callers may remain anonymous. Information is also available at www.ncdoi.gov/fraud-control.