A Hertford County woman is facing charges of insurance fraud and attempted false pretense after investigators claim she provided deceptive information to an insurance company to secure a payout. Viola Brewer Harrell, a 51-year-old resident of Ahoskie, is accused of attempting to defraud Integon Indemnity Corp. for the amount of $1,347.63 stemming from an automobile insurance claim, North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey's office detailed.
Allegations brought forward by the Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division suggest that Harrell misrepresented the timing of her vehicle's damage to collect on her insurance policy; the case, pinning its gears of justice into motion back on February 6, unfolded as she was served with a criminal summons on March 20. According to the NC Department of Insurance's announcement, Harrell has a court date set for April 9 in Hertford County District Court.
In the wake of these charges, Commissioner Causey—casting light upon the broader implications of insurance fraud—took the opportunity to issue a reminder to the public: “Insurance fraud is not a victimless crime,” he was quoted, “It hits all of us in the pocket through higher premiums.” Causey urges individuals across North Carolina to report any suspected fraudulent activities to help in keeping insurance premiums from becoming a financial burden on the wider population, as per the NC Department of Insurance.
