Sheriff announces ‘Flood of Fraud 2’ results

In a decisive move against fraud following recent hurricanes, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri has announced the results of “Flood of Fraud 2,” a joint operation with the Clearwater Police Department. This initiative was launched to combat unlicensed storm recovery work after Hurricanes Helene and Milton left communities vulnerable to exploitation. During the two-day operation, law enforcement successfully arrested over 40 individuals engaged in fraudulent practices, underscoring the sheriff’s dedication to protecting local residents. Gualtieri emphasized the importance of ensuring that recovery efforts are conducted by licensed professionals to prevent scams that could further harm the community. This operation follows a prior initiative that resulted in 63 arrests, illustrating a sustained effort to combat illegal activities in the storm recovery space.

The sheriff’s office continues to encourage residents to report suspicious activities, aiming to foster a safe environment during recovery. As the community seeks to rebuild, initiatives like “Flood of Fraud 2” are critical in maintaining trust and safety in the recovery process. With these ongoing efforts, the sheriff's office aims to provide reassurance and support to those affected by the hurricanes.