North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Yesenia Vasquez-Gonzalez, 43, of 272 Laurel Lane, Tarboro. Vasquez-Gonzalez was charged with insurance fraud and obtaining property by false pretense, both felonies.
According to the arrest warrant, Vasquez-Gonzalez received $1,365.36 in short-term disability insurance payments from Mutual of Omaha Insurance Co. by providing fictitious identity documents and filing a fraudulent claim.
The offenses occurred between May 21, 2019, and March 5, 2020.
Special Agents with the Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division arrested Vasquez-Gonzalez on March 5. She was released under a $5,000 unsecured bond.
Commissioner Causey estimates fraud costs North Carolinians between 15 and 20 cents on every dollar paid on insurance premiums, maybe more. That’s why he has cracked down on this white-collar crime by boosting the NCDOI Criminal Investigations Division.
Over the past two years, CID Special Agents recovered $7.5 million in criminal activities – money that was returned to consumers and insurance companies. The restitution also helps preserve insurance rates.
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.