North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of a Raleigh woman accused of filing false unemployment insurance claims while being employed full time.
Janice Bell, 52, of 6804 Chesterbrook Court, Raleigh, was charged with 13 counts of insurance fraud and 13 counts of obtaining property by false pretense, all felonies.
Special Agents with the Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division accuse Bell of obtaining $5,017.53 from Triton Insurance Co. by filing false unemployment claims.
According to arrest warrants, the offenses occurred between May 9, 2016, and May 18, 2017.
Bell was arrested on Feb. 27. She is due in Wake County District Court on March 21.
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.