North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced that Stephanie Renee Norman, 38, of 10700 Point South Drive, Charlotte, was charged with felony insurance fraud.
Special Agents with the Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division accuse Norman of filing a false auto insurance claim with Southern General Insurance Co., saying her 2007 Chevrolet had been stolen when it had been involved in a crash.
The offense occurred on May 2.
Norman was served with a criminal summons on Aug. 20. She is due in Mecklenburg County District Court on Oct. 20.
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 damages – 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.