CFO Patronis Deploys Anti-Fraud Strike Teams to Big Bend Following Hurricane Debby

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis activated his Disaster Fraud Action Strike Teams (DFAST) which have been deployed to Levy, Dixie, Taylor, Lafayette, Suwannee, and Hamilton counties to protect Floridians from storm-related fraud following the impacts of Hurricane Debby. This deployment consistent of three anti-fraud strike teams made of a total of 21 personnel who work to educate and inform the public on signs of post-storm fraud and ensure contractors are following Florida workers’ compensation law while conducting repairs. The anti-fraud strike teams will also consist of members from the Divisions of Agent & Agency Services and Worker’s Compensation, as well as other state agencies. In addition to the three 3 anti-fraud strike teams in the Big Bend, insurance fraud personnel will also be conducting patrols in Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota, Hillsborough, and Pinellas counties.

 CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “Just minutes after a storm, the bad actors and scam artists will swoop in and try to take advantage of people at their most vulnerable time. It’s despicable, and that’s why I have deployed my Disaster Fraud Action Strike Team to the Big Bend area to be on the lookout for bad actors trying to make a buck off the damage caused by Hurricane Debby. These anti-fraud strike teams consist of trained insurance fraud investigators with specialized knowledge of homeowners and auto insurance fraud and they will be on the ground in the impacted areas to ensure residents know the signs of fraud and lawbreakers are held responsible. If you or a loved one believes they have fallen victim to post-storm fraud, report it to my office immediately at FraudFreeFlorida.com.”

CFO Patronis also urges residents across the Big Bend impacted by Hurricane Debby to contact his Division of Consumer Services for insurance assistance and help with the insurance claims process by visiting MyFloridaCFO.com.

Common Indicators of Post-Storm Fraud include:

1. A contractor, service provider (i.e., tree removal or debris removal company, etc.), or restoration professional who offered to waive or discount your insurance deductible.
   
2. A contractor, service provider, or restoration professional that has received payment and has failed to provide any repairs to your home.
   
3. A contractor, service provider, or restoration professional who offered to provide repairs at a cash-only discounted rate and has failed to provide repairs to your home.
   
4. A contractor, service provider, or restoration professional who pressured you to sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) and has failed to provide any repairs to your home or stopped responding to your contact attempts.

To report suspected fraud, call the Department’s toll-free Fraud Tip Hotline at 1-800-378-0445 or visit MyFloridaCFO.com.

### 

About CFO Jimmy Patronis  
Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and Twitter (@FLDFS).