CFO Jimmy Patronis Announces Arrest of Miami Public Adjuster in Elder Fraud Scheme
MyFloridaCFO, May 11, 2023
MIAMI, Fla. - Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of Yoel Sainz Fraga on charges of Exploitation of the Elderly, Insurance Fraud, and Grand Theft for allegedly attempting to defraud an elderly homeowner in a $13,000 property insurance fraud scheme. Fraga is a licensed Public Adjuster and the Owner/President of 305 Public Adjuster Corporation.
CFO Jimmy Patronis said, "Taking advantage of Florida’s senior citizens is despicable and will not be tolerated in Florida. When bad actors show up on your doorstep offering to make repairs that you don’t need, and sign documents that you haven’t verified, tell them to leave your property immediately. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it is. Stay on guard for bad actors looking to turn your insurance policy into a quick payday. Thank you to my dedicated insurance fraud detectives and the local law enforcement officers who assisted on this fraud case."
An investigation by the CFO’s Division of Investigative and Forensic Services (DIFS) revealed that Fraga allegedly approached and solicited a homeowner's handyman at a local Home Depot, offering to inspect her property for damages. After the handyman provided contact information, Fraga contacted the homeowner, who is elderly. Fraga convinced the homeowner to allow him to inspect the home, allegedly pretending to be a “government inspector”. After meeting with the elderly homeowner and inspecting the home, Fraga advised that there was damage to the property. He attempted to persuade the homeowner to sign documents, but the homeowner refused citing the lack of damage. Fraga, without the homeowner's knowledge or permission, filed a kitchen water damage claim in the amount of $13,000 on the homeowner's behalf with Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (Citizens).
The elderly homeowner learned of the claim after receiving notification from the Citizens, and she contacted them to report that Fraga had filed the claim without her knowledge or authorization.
Yoel Sainz Fraga was arrested on May 11, 2023, and was booked into Turner Guilford Knight Center. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison.