North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Amber Lashae Morrison, 31, of 12521 Rocky Ford Road, Laurinburg. Ford was charged with insurance fraud and attempting to obtain property by false pretense, both felonies.
Special Agents with the Department of Insurance's Criminal Investigations Division accuse Morrison of falsely telling Progressive Casualty Insurance Co. that her 2015 Malibu was damaged by a tree during a hurricane.
The damage had previously been reported to a different insurance company as the result of a 2017 hit-and-run crash, according to the arrest warrant. The previous company had already paid the claim. However, the damage had not been repaired, the warrant says.
The offense occurred on Sept. 15, 2018. Morrison was arrested on Jan. 16 and released on a written promise to appear in court.
Fraud is felt every time consumers pay their insurance premiums. Commissioner Causey estimates fraud costs North Carolinians between 15 and 20 cents on every dollar paid on insurance premiums.
"Insurance fraud affects our economy. Not only does it damage insurance companies, it cheats businesses and consumers too," Commissioner Causey said. "This kind of white-collar crime is unacceptable. That's why I've doubled the number of Special Agents to investigate insurance fraud. Cracking down on fraud will put more money in the pockets of businesses and consumers."
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.