North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced that Racine Lanette McCullough, 33 of 180 BPW Club Road M8, Carrboro, has been charged with a misdemeanor count of insurance application misrepresentation.
Special agents with the Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division accuse McCullough of applying for an auto insurance policy with Progressive Casualty Insurance Co. after an accident and stating that there had been no loss to her vehicle. The statement was aimed at obtaining money that she was not due, according to a criminal summons.
The offense occurred between July 2 and July 16. Special agents served a criminal summons on McCullough on Aug. 22 in Orange County.
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 Investigations Division at 919-807-6840. Callers may remain anonymous. Information is also available at www.ncdoi.gov/fraud-control.