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MORE RECOVERY INFO
Mountain View News Saturday, January 18, 2025
Sacramento – The California Department of Forestry and
Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is alerting the public about
fraudulent social media accounts impersonating CAL FIRE
and soliciting donations. CAL FIRE does not solicit donations
from the public, either in person or online.
Additionally, all of CAL FIRE’s social media accounts are verified
accounts and have the blue or gray checkmark and are
categorized as a Government Organization. If you do not see
the checkmark, it is not an official CAL FIRE account.
While CAL FIRE does not request donations, there are legitimate
organizations that support victims affected by disasters,
the fire service, and first responders. Anyone wishing
to contribute to such organizations are encouraged to thoroughly
research them to ensure their validity before making
a donation.
CAL FIRE urges the public to remain vigilant and report
suspicious accounts or activity to the relevant social media
platform or authorities. Protecting our communities includes
safeguarding them against scams and misinformation.
For official information and updates from CAL FIRE, please
visit our verified website at www.fire.ca.gov or follow our official
social media channels.
@CALFIRE (Instagram)
@CALFIRE (Facebook)
@CAL_FIRE (X)
Tips for confirming that a Government Organization’s social
media account is valid:
• Make sure the social media handle matches what is
listed on official websites.
• Official government accounts generally post professional,
relevant, and timely information.
• Look for official announcements or references to other
credible sources, such as links to government websites or
trusted news outlets.
• Be wary of accounts with low follower counts or sudden,
rapid growth.
Government accounts will never ask for sensitive personal
information via social media.
CAL FIRE ALERTS PUBLIC OF FAKE SOCIAL MEDIA
ACCOUNTS REQUESTING DONATIONS
NEW `RAPID-RESPONSE' EFFORT TARGETS
WILDFIRE-RELATED INSURANCE FRAUD
LOS ANGELES (CNS) - A new ``rapid response'' effort to prevent and prosecute insurance fraud targeting
wildfire survivors is now operational, it was announced today.
The partnership described by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and L.A. County District Attorney Nathan
Hochman focuses on raising awareness, prosecuting fraud and equipping survivors with tools to navigate
recovery safely.
``Scammers exploit vulnerable times, preying on survivors with false promises and fraudulent schemes,'' Lara
said in a statement.
``We've seen this in past wildfires. By partnering with the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, we*re
amplifying protections for wildfire victims and empowering consumers to protect themselves. My department
is committed to guiding you with resources to make informed decisions and avoid scams.''
As survivors begin recovery, Lara said, the insurance department's Disaster Assistance Response Team has
been deployed to wildfire-affected areas to protect survivors from scams and fraud. In coordination with the
contractors state license board and other agencies, DART helps educate residents about their rights, checks
contractor and vendor licenses, and ensures compliance with state regulations.
The D.A.'s fraud and corruption prosecutors, meanwhile, are working with county and state agencies to hold
individuals and businesses accountable for fraud, including insurance, public benefits, and charitable donation
scams. Penalties for fraud can include fines and jail or prison time, Hochman said.
``Our office's fraud-fighting prosecutors have a message for scammers: You will not get away with impersonating
insurance companies in order to steal from wildfire victims in Los Angeles County,'' Hochman said
Friday. ``Our office is on high alert for insurance scams and we will relentlessly pursue and seek the maximum
punishment for the criminals who seek to exploit the victims of the LA County fires. ... Insurance fraud will not
be tolerated under any circumstances.''
In previous wildfires, the insurance department arrested criminals engaged in fraud, including one case where
a person falsely posed as legal counsel, filed fraudulent smoke and ash claims, and pocketed settlement checks,
Lara said.
To address common scams like public adjuster fraud, the insurance commissioner issued a notice reminding
public adjusters to adhere to strict laws governing their conduct. Lara urged survivors to carefully review
adjuster contracts, understand fees -- typically a percentage of the insurance claim --and verify the adjuster's
license on the department's website.
As part of the educational effort, Lara is hosting free two-day insurance support workshops on Saturday and
Sunday in Santa Monica and Jan. 25 and 26 in Pasadena to help survivors understand their insurance policies
and the claims process, while also providing information about available resources for rebuilding and recovery.
The workshops are open to all those impacted by the recent wildfires.
Call 800-927-4357 to schedule a one-on-one appointment with a Department of Insurance expert.
The department has resources for disaster survivors and strongly encourages consumers to check out the help,
including how to avoid scams after a disaster. There is often unscrupulous individuals who try and take advantage
of disaster survivors who can be vulnerable during a challenging time, Lara said.
Consumers who have questions on their insurance or wish to file a complaint against a public adjuster can do
so on the department's website or by calling 800-927-4357.
The insurance department urges consumers to check the public adjuster's license and make sure they are properly
licensed and in good standing by visiting the department's website or by calling the 800 number.
Also, Lara said, homeowners should be sure to check the contractor's license with the contractors' state license
board.
Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com
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