A Winston-Salem woman is facing criminal charges after being accused of attempting to defraud an insurance company. Latricha Leann Mankins, 42, was charged with insurance fraud and obtaining property by false pretense, both considered felonies. According to a recent press release from North Carolina Department of Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey, Mankins allegedly submitted fraudulent claims to Triton Insurance Co., claiming she was unemployed in order to receive benefits while she had, in fact, returned to work.
The alleged scheme took place over nearly a year, from July 10, 2023, to June 24, 2024. Special agents from the Department of Insurance's Criminal Investigations Division have accused Mankins of seeking to illegally obtain benefits she was not entitled to. She was served with a criminal summons last Tuesday and is scheduled to appear in Forsyth County District Court on February 6.
Insurance fraud of this nature is taken seriously by authorities as it can lead to increased premiums for honest policyholders. Insurance Commissioner Causey emphasized the collective burden of such crimes, stating on the North Carolina Department of Insurance website, "Insurance fraud is not a victimless crime," as it "hits all of us in the pocket through higher premiums." These comments underscore the ripple effect fraudulent acts can have on the broader community. Mankins' case is a reminder from Commissioner Causey for North Carolinians to remain vigilant and report any instances of suspected insurance fraud to help keep premiums at bay.
