While no state is immune to the fraud pandemic, Florida has long battled some of the most pernicious schemes plaguing the insurance industry. So it comes as no surprise that a recent string of copycat scams in southern Florida highlight a growing national problem.

This emerging scheme takes full advantage of the distressing nature of auto accidents, whereby body shop repairmen pose as insurance adjusters. Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs investigators say these imposter adjusters are exacting a heavy toll on Floridians, citing several recent incidents.

One man accused of impersonating a claims adjuster is Vincenzo Gurrera, owner of Collision World in Boynton Beach, Fla. Authorities allege that Gurrera led auto accident victims to believe that he was an adjuster in order to generate more business for his body shop between August 2011 and April 2012.

Thus far, three complainants have identified Gurrera in a photo lineup, signing sworn affidavits that assert the 43-year-old requested they bring their vehicles to his shop under false pretenses. According to multiple sources, Gurrera called the auto policyholders claiming to be a claims adjuster working for their respective insurers, which included Geico, Liberty Mutual and State Farm. Furthermore, other allegations suggest that the complainants signed release forms provided by Gurrera.

Because the county in which these crimes allegedly took place regulates tow shops—and not body shops—Gurrera commanded exorbitant fees for otherwise routine auto body work.

Post-Catastrophe Fraud

The state still contends with other forms of ambulance- or wreck-chasing. In 2004, for example, authorities arrested James John Tomlinson and James Stephen Hudgens, charging each with posing as a public adjuster after Hurricane Charley. The pair had established Seabreeze Public Adjusters on August 19, just six days after the hurricane ravaged the southwest coast of Florida. The duo allegedly sought to make a quick buck from calamity-struck homeowners who were affected by hurricanes.

Post-catastrophe fraud has been commonplace for quite some time and is not specific to Florida. National events such as the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Hurricane Katrina, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and the series of tornadoes that ripped through the Midwest last year have offered fertile grounds for opportunistic con artists. Although some of these gross actors have been brought to justice, ongoing efforts between regulatory entities, law officials, industry organizations, and P&C insurers will be necessary to quell similar crimes.

The onus of mitigating imposter fraud, at least to some extent, may also fall to the auto policyholders filing the claims. As such, educating the public will continue to be crucial. In Florida, the Department of Financial Services (DOFS) has created institutional tools and educational programs to inform citizens about safeguarding themselves against potential fraud.

Major insurers have partnered with the department to establish what has been referred to as an “insurance supercenter” and a “one-stop shop” for insurance claims. This forum is intended to streamline the communication process for residents and allow them to quickly obtain accurate information about the claims process from the insurers themselves.

At least in theory, this transparency and fluid exchange of information will create clarity and allow individuals to better prepare themselves for when the worst-case scenario becomes a reality.

(Editor's Note: The Florida Department of Financial Services has stated that Vincenzo Gurrera is not a licensed adjuster in Florida.)

Special Reports /

Fake Adjusters Scam Fla. Drivers, Cat Victims

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