×
×
homepage logo
STORE

DFS launches anti-fraud strike teams after Irma

By Staff | Sep 27, 2017

The Department of Financial Services announced today the formation of anti-fraud strike teams that be deployed across the state to protect Floridians from post-storm fraud.

Three teams will work in areas heavily impacted by Hurricane Irma: South Florida, including Miami-Dade and Monroe counties; Southwest Florida, including Lee and Collier counties; and Central Florida, including Polk and Orange counties.

To ensure that law-breakers are prosecuted to the fullest extent of Florida law, the DFS is working directly with dedicated prosecutors housed within each of the respective State Attorney’s Offices.

“The unfortunate truth is that some individuals will attempt to take advantage of consumers during this high-stress time. To combat fraudsters attempts to swindle Floridians, we’re putting boots on the ground to ward off fraud and swiftly address any scams that may arise,” Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said in a prepared statement.

The strike teams will be comprised of investigators working for the department’s Division of Investigative and Forensic Services. They are trained insurance fraud investigators with specialized knowledge of property and casualty fraud and workers’ compensation fraud.

In addition to identifying fraud operations, investigators will work with each community to educate homeowners, homeowners’ associations and local law enforcement about the red flags of fraud.

Floridians can report suspicious behavior by calling the anti-fraud hotline at 800-378-0445 or by contacting one of the department’s regional insurance fraud offices. To find a map of the department’s insurance fraud offices in Florida, visit: www.myfloridacfo.com/division/DIFS/Offices/. Callers are asked to provide as many details as possible, and callers may request to remain anonymous.

Source: Department of Financial Services