North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Robin Hart, 47, of 1713 Bethlehem Road, Rocky Mount. Hart was charged with insurance fraud and attempting to obtain property by false pretense, both felonies.
According to the arrest warrant, Hart filed a claim with Nationwide Insurance Co. of America, saying that damage to her 2014 Nissan Altima was the result of a storm blowing a trash can into her car when the damage to her vehicle was present when she bought it.
The offenses occurred between Feb. 22 and Sept. 10.
Special Agents with the Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division arrested Hart on Sept. 11. She was released on $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 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.