Florida Disaster Fraud Team Makes Arrest Over $30K in Fraudulent Irma Claims

Florida CFO statement said that Palmet Bay, Florida, was supposed to fraud a civil property insurance company last month, and it is believed that a hurricane exceeding $ 3,000 has occurred.

Pallos Guillermo Aponte, 44, investigated by the Financial Services Department's Disaster Fraud Strike Team (DFAST), three insurance frauds and theft to civilians

After Aponte filed two claims, DFAST recalled that the facility suffered additional damage and rental loss for Hurricane Irma. As a result of the investigation, it was revealed that Aponte has filed a fraudulent invoice, a false lease contract, and a corrupt letter requesting a total rent of $ 3,580 for 4 months.

Aponte was arrested on September 14 and was taken to Miami Dade Prison. If convicted on all allegations, Aponte may face up to 45 years in prison and a fine of up to $ 45,000.

Founded after Hurricane Irma CFO Patronis' Disaster Fraud Action Blow Team (DFAST) deployed boots to educate consumers about fighting insurance fraud and what to worry about after the windstorm did.

"In many cases disasters will bring the highest disaster but unfortunately it will also bring about the worst case insurance fraud is not a crime that is not a victim and is also the main reason to raise the insurance premium only this summer Citizen property insurance company cited fraud and litigation costs as the main reason to raise interest rates, "Patronis said.

The extent and success of disaster fraud is directly related to the public's attitude towards insurance companies, government agencies, and donor agencies. After all, fraudulent insurance claim has definitely occurred since the beginning of the industry of the 17th century. However, in many states' fair billing practice regulations, it is difficult to investigate suspicious cases, as claims must be paid within the prescribed period. In addition, there is a delicate boundary between suspects' investigation and harassment to justifiable claimants. Efforts to detect fraudulent activity can also be considered anti-consumers.

Examples of counterfeiting include refund checks stolen from a maildrop, submission of counterfeit building permits and receipts of receipts, counterfeit insurance and Federal emergency aid checks, and fraudulent damage reports. A man in South Florida was charged with six postal fraud, telegram fraud, and false allegations. Thomas Eliot received a $ 23,244 from the Federal Emergency Management Bureau after the 2004 Hurricane Francis, claiming that the ship where he lived was damaged. But his main residence is actually an apartment. In addition, the other 26 South Florida residents were accused of submitting a false hurricane to Francisco's claim

While Hurricane Ilma crossed the Caribbean Sea, President Cardo announced an urgent statement to Florida, South Carolina and Puerto Rico. A large-scale disaster statement was also issued to the US Virgin Islands. Hurricane warning is valid for South Florida and Florida Keys. Urgent warnings have alerted US citizens not to travel to the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Cuba and parts of the East Caribbean. Caribbean US overseas citizens should monitor the State Department's travel website and make sure they participate in the smart traveler registration program for the latest information.