Hurricane Irma fraud News

Florida Couple Accused of Hurricane Irma Disaster Assistance Fraud

A Florida husband and wife have been charged with lying about damage caused by Hurricane Irma. Christina Catalano, 38, and Joseph Catalano, 54, both of Holiday, were arrested Sept. 9, according to federal court records. Christina Catalano has been charged …

Florida Woman Pleads Guilty to Hurricane Disaster Assistance Fraud

A Florida woman has pleaded guilty to lying about damage caused by Hurricane Irma. Bernita Willette Carswell, 36, pleaded guilty in Jacksonville federal court last week to one count of disaster assistance fraud, according to court records. She faces up …

Florida Woman Arrested in $68K Hurricane Irma Scam

A Florida woman has been arrested for alleged unlicensed practice of public adjusting and grand theft related to Hurricane Irma, according to a statement from the Florida Department of Financial Services. Mary Bruce is accused of attempting to steal more …

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

A Palmetto Bay, Fla., man was arrested last month for allegedly defrauding Citizens Property Insurance Corp. of more than $30,000 relating to Hurricane Irma, according to a statement from Florida Chief Financial Officer. Carlos Guillermo Aponte, 44, of Palmetto Bay …

4 Hurricane Irma-Affected U.S. Attorney Offices Form Fraud Task Forces

The National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) along with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in the District of Puerto Rico, Southern District of Florida, Middle District of Florida and Northern District of Florida have formed task forces comprised of local, state and …