North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced that Jennifer Dawn Burris, 38, of 4098 Old Davis Road, Norwood, was charged with insurance fraud and attempting to obtain property by false pretense.
According to a criminal summons, Burris told Erie Insurance Co. that her wedding ring had been lost in an attempt to collect a $4,000 claim.
Special Agents with the Department of Insurance's Criminal Investigations Division say Burris admitted during the investigation that the reported loss was false.
The offense occurred between Jan. 11 and April 3. Burris was served with a criminal summons on April 3 and ordered to be in Stanly County District Court on April 29.
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.