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Florida’s CFO warns of scammers who exploit victims of natural disasters

FLORIDA – Florida’s Chief Financial Officer warns about scammers who try to exploit victims of natural disasters.

RELATED: Tropical Storm Debby is a little weaker, rain continues

Jimmy Patronis said scammers try to use a scheme called “direction of payments”, where criminals trick victims into redirecting payment claims from insurance companies to them.

“Whatever you do, do not sign anything, I repeat myself, do not sign anything, you could be giving your claim away to a total stranger,” Patronis said.

TOPIC PAGE: Tropical Storm Debby

Florida’s Emergency Management Team said Florida’s hardest hit areas are in Suwannee and Lafayette counties, where the high waters are threatening people’s lives.

Suwannee County received almost 15 inches of rain, while Columbia County got about a foot.

Patronis said overall, Florida appears to be faring better than expected with Debby quickly breaking apart after it made landfall.

He said Floridians should call their insurance company before paying out of pocket for damages.

He explained how saltwater flooding can lead to electric car fires.

“It’s high mineral content, it will create bridges, it will literally short out the battery,” Patronis said. “If the batteries got a full charge to it, then you literally have a fire threat in itself right there. Once that battery hits an ignition point, it will burn until there’s no fuel left, even if it was submerged.”

He also said to call your insurance carrier if you have an electric vehicle affected by saltwater flooding. He also said to notify your manufacturer and the local fire department.

Patronis assessed Debby’s damage in Suwannee County at the county Emergency Operations Center. He met with Live Oak Fire Rescue to determine recovery efforts after the storm.


About the Author
Tarik Minor headshot

Tarik anchors the 4, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. weekday newscasts and reports with the I-TEAM.

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