Raleigh Woman Arrested for Alleged Insurance Fraud

RALEIGH, N.C., July 16 -- The North Carolina Department of Insurance issued the following news release:

Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin today announced the arrest of Maria Guadalupe Flores, 25, of 2820 Donovan Place, Raleigh; she was charged with one count of insurance fraud.

Department criminal investigators allege that Flores fraudulently cashed an insurance claims check worth $1,132.15 from Universal Insurance Company that was intended for her mother. The allegations further state that Flores claimed to be her mother, presented her mother's North Carolina driver's license and forged her signature.

Flores was processed at the Wake County Public Safety Center and placed under a $5,000 secured bond.

The Department of Insurance employs 20 sworn law enforcement officers dedicated to investigating claims of insurance fraud. To date in 2010, these criminal investigators have seen more than 150 cases successfully closed with more than $3.5 million in restitution and recoveries, more than 30 criminal convictions and more than 50 arrests.

An estimated 10 cents of every dollar paid in premiums goes toward the payment of fraudulent claims. To report suspected fraud, contact the Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840. Callers may remain anonymous. Information is also available at www.ncdoi.com.

TNS hc11-JF78-100717-2918640 StaffFurigay