This week dedicated to fighting fraud

This week (June 8-14) is Fight Financial Fraud in Florida Week. Florida Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher wants people to take steps to protect themselves and their money.

"If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is," Gallagher said. "Check with the department to make sure the agent, broker or company you are dealing with is appropriately licensed. Ask questions, read all paperwork and give yourself plenty of time to make an informed decision."

The Department of Financial Services released a list of frauds to look out for, including the sale of unlicensed insurance, personal injury protection insurance fraud, viatical settlement transaction fraud, worker's compensation fraud, mortgage loan application fraud and investment fraud.

DFS has a toll-free consumer help line -- (800) 342-2762 -- available from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. People can also go online to www.myfloridacfo.com to file a complaint, check the license status of a company or individual, research regulatory actions and access free information.