MIAMI, Fla. - Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is searching for a scam artist defrauding local businesses and putting people in harm’s way by posing as a fire extinguisher dealer. Pictured above, the alleged criminal is believed to be using the alias Hector Gonzalez.

 

CFO Jimmy Patronis said, "This kind of fraud not only scams businesses out of money, but it puts Floridians in major danger. If fire extinguisher equipment is not properly inspected and even tampered with, it could cause property damage and loss of life. This criminal must be found and we need your help to find him.”

 

CFO Patronis’ Division of Investigative & Forensic Services and Bureau of Fire Prevention investigators are looking for the whereabouts of this individual who poses as a fire extinguisher dealer and uses this tactic to gain access to local businesses. Once inside, he “services” the fire extinguishers charging the business for the fraudulent and unlicensed work. Legitimate fire suppression equipment dealers are certified and carry company credentials. If anyone comes to your business claiming to be a fire suppression equipment dealer, ask them for proper identification before any work is performed.

 

If you have information or have been a victim of this individual please contact CFO Patronis' Bureau of Fire, Arson & Explosives Investigations at (954) 321-3704.