CFO Patronis Deploys Three Anti-Fraud Strike Teams Following Storms in Central Florida
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla.— Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis activated his Disaster Fraud Action Strike Teams (DFAST), which have been deployed to the affected counties to protect Floridians from storm-related fraud following the impacts of tornado activity in Seminole County. Two teams consisting of nine sworn law enforcement officers have already been deployed to educate and inform the public on signs of post-storm fraud and ensure contractors are following Florida workers’ compensation laws while conducting repairs. An additional team will be deployed tomorrow, bringing the total law enforcement personnel up to 14, to assist with anti-fraud efforts over the next week.
CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “DON’T SIGN ANYTHING! Bad actors, scam artists, and illegal contractors will be ready to knock on your door and take advantage of you and your family long before first responders ever arrive. These fraudsters want to come between you and your recovery, that’s why I have deployed my Disaster Fraud Action Strike Teams to storm impacted areas in Seminole County to be on the lookout for bad actors. These well-trained insurance anti-fraud strike teams are equipped with specialized knowledge of homeowners and auto insurance fraud and will be going door-to-door to educate residents on the signs of fraud, their rights as a consumer, and ensure lawbreakers are held responsible. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it is. If you or a loved one believes they have fallen victim to post-storm fraud, report it to my office immediately by calling our Insurance Fraud Hotline at 1-800-378-0445."
Common Indicators of Post-Storm Fraud include:
- 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.
- A contractor, service provider, or restoration professional that has received payment and has failed to provide any repairs to your home.
- 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.
- A contractor, service provider, or restoration professional who has failed to provide any repairs to your home and has stopped responding to your contact attempts.
Insurance Consumer Services Resources:
- Call our statewide toll-free Insurance Helpline at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236) - Out-of-State Callers: (850) 413-3089
- Insurance Helpline is available 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Eastern Monday - Sunday
- Visit MyFloridaCFO.com/divisions/consumers for insurance assistance online or by email at Consumer.Services@myfloridacfo.com.
To report suspected fraud, call the Department’s toll-free Insurance Fraud Tip Hotline at 1-800-378-0445 or visit MyFloridaCFO.com.
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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 X (@FLDFS).
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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 X (@FLDFS).