Volume 3 Number 3 January 16, 2006

REPORT INSURANCE FRAUD The Division of Insurance Fraud (DIF) in the Florida Department of Financial Services was formed in 1976 by the Florida Legislature to investigate fraudulent automobile tort claims. In the early years, investigators had arrest powers but could not carry firearms. Today, the division investigates all types of insurance fraud crimes and investigators are armed, sworn state law enforcement officers.  The Division of Insurance Fraud has five regions located throughout the state of Florida, each commanded by a law enforcement captain. One region is located in the north, one in central and three in south Florida. Investigators are assigned to work general fraud cases, workers’ compensation fraud, medical and health-care fraud, and agent and company fraud. Areas of assignment may include:  Insolvency  - Fraud committed by insurance companies that fail financially due to internal fraud by owners and corporate officers. Unauthorized Entities - fraud, both criminal and civil, committed by insurance companies operating illegally in the state. Health Care Fraud - focuses on organized medical and health care scams. Workers’ Compensation - investigates employers for workers’ compensation premium fraud. Public Employee Fraud  - investigates state and local government employees for workers’ compensation claimant fraud. Additionally, insurance companies doing business in Florida must report suspected fraud to the division. Those reports are protected from civil liability, provided the information is reported in good faith. A reward of up to $25,000 is offered for information leading to a conviction in insurance fraud cases. Visit the DIF web pages for fraud referral forms and more information at www.MyFloridaCFO.com/fraud.