North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced that Courtney Nicole Smith, 36, and Maurice Dequanta Walker, 37, both of 5930 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro, were charged with insurance fraud and obtaining property by false pretense, all felonies.
Special Agents with the Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division accuse the two of altering medical bills by inflating the amounts to obtain a higher automobile insurance claim payout from Progressive Southeastern Insurance Co.
The offenses occurred between Dec. 20, 2019, and March 1, 2020.
Smith and Walker were served criminal summonses on Oct. 23. They are due in Guilford County District Court on Nov. 16.
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.