RALEIGH -- Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey announced the arrest of Monica Celeste Jubert, 45, of 3 White Dove Road, Durham; she is charged with 16 counts each of financial identity theft and obtaining property by false pretense in Wake County.

Department of Insurance criminal investigators accuse Jubert of submitting 16 fraudulent life insurance policies without the knowledge of the victim and obtaining advanced commission from Transamerica Life Insurance Company between October 2015 and November 2015. Investigators allege Jubert does not have a license to sell insurance.

Jubert was arrested on March 28 in Wake County with assistance from the Wake County Sheriff’s Office and placed under a $150,000 bond.

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

An estimated 10 cents of every dollar paid in premiums goes toward the payment of fraudulent claims. The Department of Insurance employs 20 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.