**CONSUMER ALERT** CFO Patronis Warns Floridians of Unscrupulous Contractor Solicitation Following AOB Crackdown
5/26/2022
**CONSUMER ALERT**
CFO Patronis Warns Floridians of Unscrupulous Contractor Solicitation Following AOB Crackdown
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis warns Floridians about reports of increased contractor solicitation following a crackdown on Assignment of Benefits (AOB) abuse by the Florida Legislature during the special session on insurance reform this week.
CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “The word is out that Florida is cracking down on AOB abuse across the state. My office has received recent reports that unscrupulous contractors are trying to get out in front of the recent legislative changes made during special session by ramping up their solicitation schemes and sending out flyers to Florida residents. I’m urging all Floridians to beware of fly-by-night roofers and contractors looking to take advantage of consumers. Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, then it is and there is absolutely no such thing as a free roof or free home repairs. Don’t let these bad actors trick you into signing away your rights and scamming you and your neighbors. These schemes drive up insurance rates for every Florida family; it’s wrong and these fraudsters know it. My fraud detectives will reverse engineer these flyers to determine the firms they’re colluding with to hold them accountable. It’s also important the public report these solicitations. If you feel you have been the victim of insurance or contractor related fraud, call my Fraud Tip Line at 1-800-378-0445.”
Tips to avoid contractor-related fraud and abuse:
• Beware of Crooked Contractors. Watch for a contractor or restoration professional who: offers to waive or discount your insurance deductible; has received payment and has failed to provide any repairs; offered to provide repairs at a cash-only discounted rate and has failed to provide repairs; or pressured you to sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) and has failed to provide any repairs to your home or stopped responding to your contact attempts.
• Don’t Sign Anything. Call your insurance agent, insurance company, or CFO Patronis’ Insurance Consumer Helpline (1-877-MY-FL-CFO) before you sign anything, including AOB agreements.
• Too Good to Be True? It Probably Is. If an offer sounds too good, it most likely is. Don’t deal with anyone who demands cash up front.
• Check a License. If you have damage to your home, contact your insurance company immediately. Beware of fly-by-night repair businesses and hire only licensed professionals. If you have access to internet, verify a contractor’s license at the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s website - www.MyFloridaLicense.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 Twitter (@FLDFS).
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