North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced that Ayana Antoinette Armstrong, 32, of 3630 Concord Pointe Lane Southwest, Concord, was charged with insurance fraud and obtaining property by false pretense, both felonies.
Special agents with the Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division accuse Armstrong of forging her doctor’s signature to short-term disability claim forms submitted to Lincoln Financial Group to obtain $10,468.43 in benefits.
The offenses occurred between Aug. 24, 2020, and Dec. 28, 2020.
Special agents served a criminal summons on Armstrong on Feb. 8. She is due in Cabarrus County District Court on March 9.
"It troubles me that some people think insurance fraud is a victimless crime,” Commissioner Causey said. “Nearly 20 cents of every insurance premium dollar goes to cover the cost of insurance fraud. Consumers are the real victims of this kind of criminal behavior.”
Over the past three years, CID Special Agents recovered nearly $12 million used in fraudulent activities. That money has been 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.