In what North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey calls an all-too-common scheme, a Mecklenburg County woman was arrested and charged with insurance fraud after allegedly submitting bogus claims to profit from her rental insurance policy. Shantale Pierre Chery, 54, allegedly downloaded photographs from the internet and used them to falsely claim damage from an apartment roof leak. The Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division alleges that she unlawfully received a reimbursement of $2,430 from United Services Automobile Association.
The investigation into Chery’s conduct appears to have been comprehensive, showing what the Department of Insurance regards as a clear case of fraud. According to arrest warrants filed by the North Carolina Department of Insurance, the alleged offense happened on December 1, 2024. Chery was released on a $10,000 unsecured bond after being arrested by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police on March 20. She is scheduled to appear in Mecklenburg County District Court on March 21, 2025.
State officials, like Commissioner Causey, quickly highlight the problem of insurance fraud and its implications for all policyholders, emphasizing that it is not a victimless crime. Commissioner Causey underscored that these crimes significantly impact everyone by resulting in higher premiums. According to the North Carolina Department of Insurance, fraudulent acts harm more than just the immediate individuals involved and can have a greater financial impact on the community as a whole.
Residents in North Carolina are being urged to actively help keep insurance costs low by remaining cautious and reporting any suspected fraudulent behavior. The North Carolina Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division has many reporting options, including an anonymous toll-free hotline. Commissioner Causey has made a direct appeal to residents, imploring them to help maintain reasonable insurance rate levels throughout the state. He emphasizes the need for collective vigilance against fraud.
