As wildfires continue to burn in Southern California, the state has ramped up fraud investigations to keep up with an uptick in crimes.

Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced a rapid response effort to prevent and prosecute insurance fraud targeting wildfire survivors.

The partnership aims to raise awareness, prosecute fraud and equip survivors with tools to navigate recovery safely.

The Department of Insurance’s Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) has been deployed to wildfire-affected areas.

In coordination with the Contractors State License Board and other state agencies, DART educates residents about their rights, checks contractor and vendor licenses and ensures compliance with state regulations.

This comes after several suspects were arrested for crimes committed during LA County’s wildfires.

The charges encompass a range of offenses, including felony arson, felony possession of ammunition by a felon, felony looting during mandatory evacuations, and misdemeanor impersonation of a firefighter.

The alleged crimes occurred across the county, including South Gate, Brentwood, Hawthorne, Huntington Park, Compton, Santa Monica and Malibu.

“Scammers exploit vulnerable times, preying on survivors with false promises and fraudulent schemes,” said Commissioner Lara. “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.”

“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,” said Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman. “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. I would like to thank Commissioner Ricardo Lara for his partnership in standing up for LA County fire victims during this ongoing disaster and as we prepare for recovery. Insurance fraud will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”

According to CalFire data, the Palisades Fire, which has destroyed nearly 24,000 acres is 67 percent contained, and the Eaton Fire, which is estimated to have destroyed 14,000 acres, is 89 percent contained.