North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Dominique Nicole Smith, 24, of 2916 Ten Ten Road, Apex. Smith was charged with felony insurance fraud.
Special Agents with the Department of Insurance's Criminal Investigations Division accuse Smith of purchasing insurance for her 2015 Kia Sportage after having an accident on April 17, but reporting to her insurance company, Geico Indemnity Co., that she purchased the insurance a day before the wreck occurred.
The offense occurred between April 17 and June 14.
Smith was arrested on July 9 and released on a $1,000 unsecured bond pending a July 31 date in Wake County District 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 white-collar crimes such as embezzlement or 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.