A Nash County woman has found herself on the wrong side of the law after allegedly filing false claims with her insurer. Identified as Amanda Jo Mincolla, 36, the resident of Middlesex, North Carolina, has been charged with insurance fraud and obtaining property under false pretense, with each count being a felony. The North Carolina Department of Insurance reported that Mincolla's illicit activities culminated in her illegitimately pocketing $8,121.
It was the Department's Criminal Investigations Division that flushed out Mincolla's scheme, wherein fraudulent images and police reports were submitted to USAA, defrauding the company through her renter’s insurance policy. Inflating the worth of her personal property through these forged documents, the incidents in question reportedly took place on December 4, 2024. Getting arrested on June 22, Mincolla subsequently appeared before Nash County District Court on June 23, having been slapped with a $20,000 unsecured bond.
Fighting to keep the clutches of insurance fraud from reaching deeper into consumer pockets, North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey has been vocal about the repercussions of such acts. "Insurance fraud hits consumers in the wallet," declared Causey. Stressing the financial burden to the average policyholder, roughly 20 cents of every dollar spent on insurance premiums is earmarked to cover the cost of fraud, as per the North Carolina Department of Insurance.
The state's insurance cudgel, Causey is all about laying down the law when it comes to those who play fast and loose with insurance claims. He urges the public to keep vigilant and report any whisper of insurance fraud, or related white-collar crimes. The Department of Insurance advises that information can be shared with the Criminal Investigations Division anonymously. Concerned citizens may reach out at 919-807-6840 within North Carolina’s borders or go toll-free at 888-680-7684.
