“CSLEA is grateful for the work that its members do year-long.  It is at disastrous times such as these that a spotlight is on the law enforcement, public safety and consumer protection work that State workers in Bargaining Unit 7 do to keep Californians safe from harm.  We thank them for their service.”

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

LOS ANGELES – On January 17, 2025, the California Department of Insurance (CDI) and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced a rapid response effort to prevent and prosecute insurance fraud targeting wildfire survivors. The partnership focuses on raising awareness, prosecuting fraud, and equipping survivors with tools to navigate recovery safely.

Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) Deployed

The California Insurance Commissioner has deployed CDI’s Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) to wildfire-affected areas to protect survivors from scams and fraud. In coordination with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) and other state agencies, DART educates residents about their rights, checks contractor and vendor licenses, and ensures compliance with state regulations.

As survivors begin recovery, DART provides essential guidance to help homeowners understand their insurance coverage, identify legitimate contractors, and comply with key regulations, such as the seven-day ban on public adjusters soliciting business after disaster areas reopen.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office’s Fraud & Corruption prosecutors work closely with county and state agencies to hold individuals and businesses accountable for fraud, including insurance, public benefits, and charitable donation scams. The Office recovers millions of dollars in restitution annually from bad actors. Penalties for fraud can also include fines and time in jail or prison.

Statewide Efforts to Prevent Fraud

In previous wildfires, CDI law enforcement officers have arrested individuals engaged in fraud, including one case where a person falsely posed as legal counsel, filed fraudulent smoke and ash claims, and pocketed settlement checks.