RALEIGH — North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey announced that a charge of solicitation to obtain property by false pretenses was filed last week against an Ahoskie woman.

Heaven Symone Lassiter, 23, of 1521 U.S. 13 South, Ahoskie, is accused of providing false information to Progressive Insurance Company to obtain payment for a claim. According to a criminal summons served on Lassiter Jan. 25, she tried to file a claim for damage to her 2012 Ford Focus that occurred before she obtained her policy.

The policy was initiated at 4:16 p.m. on Nov. 8, 2017. The photos were taken earlier that day, around 8 a.m. The information was discovered before any payment on the claim was made by the insurer.

Lassiter has a summons to appear in court in Hertford County on the charge on Feb. 14.

“According to the FBI, insurance fraud costs the average family between $400 and $700 per year in the form of increased premiums,” Commissioner Causey said. “Consumer protection is my number one priority and I will continue to fight insurance fraud with your help.”

The N.C. Department of Insurance employs sworn state law enforcement officers dedicated to investigating and prosecuting claims of insurance and bail bonding fraud. 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. You can also email information on suspected fraud to reportfraud@ncdoi.gov.