North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced that Debbie Hogan Steele, 59, of 729 Craige St., Salisbury, was charged with insurance fraud and attempting to obtain property by false pretense, both felonies.
Special Agents with the Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division accuse Steele of attempting to obtain payment from National General Insurance Co. for an auto damage claim in a hit and run that had previously been reported in 2018.
The offenses occurred between March 9-11.
Steele was served with a criminal summons on Aug. 31. She is due in Rowan County District Court on Sept. 28.
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.