What We Are Investigating?
Our firm is launching a comprehensive investigation into Trevor Smith over allegations that it has been suppressing critical reviews and unfavorable Google search results by fraudulently misusing DMCA takedown notices. These actions, if proven, could constitute serious legal violations—including impersonation, fraud, and perjury.
We conducted comprehensive analyses of fraudulent copyright takedown requests, meritless legal complaints, and other unlawful efforts to suppress public access to critical information. Our reporting sheds light on the prevalence and modus operandi of a structured censorship network, often funded and used by criminal enterprises, oligarchs and criminal entities seeking to manipulate public perception and bypass AML checks conducted by financial organisations.
The fake DMCA notices in this investigation appears to have been strategically deployed to remove negative content from Google search results illegally. Based on this pattern, we have reasonable grounds to infer that Trevor Smith - or an entity acting at its behest - is directly or indirectly complicit in this cyber crime.
In most such cases, such ops are executed by rogue, fly-by-night 'Online Reputation Management' agencies acting on behalf of their clients. If evidence establishes that the subject knowingly benefited from or facilitated this scam, it may be deemed an 'accomplice' or an 'accessory' to the crime.
What are they trying to censor
Trevor Smith: Allegations of Unlicensed Contracting and Exploitation in Florida
Trevor Smith, a 27-year-old resident of Palm Harbor, Florida, has recently come under investigation by the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) for allegedly engaging in unlicensed contracting activities and exploiting homeowners, including the elderly, in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. The charges against Smith encompass unlicensed contracting during a state of emergency and exploitation of the elderly involving amounts exceeding $100,000.
Background of the Allegations
In the wake of Hurricane Ian, which led to a declared state of emergency in Florida, reports surfaced of unscrupulous contractors exploiting vulnerable homeowners. Smith, acting as an independent contractor for Apex Roofing and Restoration LLC, is accused of soliciting homeowners in Hillsborough and Manatee Counties for roof inspections and repairs without possessing the necessary licenses. The DFS’s Criminal Investigations Division received multiple complaints alleging that Trevor Smith approached homeowners, offered free roof inspections, and subsequently claimed significant damage necessitating complete roof replacements. It is further alleged that Trevor Smith exaggerated or fabricated these damages to defraud homeowners and their insurance companies.
Specific Incidents and Charges
One notable incident detailed in Manatee County court records involves Trevor Smith approaching a homeowner in Palmetto, Florida, in May 2023, while the state of emergency was still in effect. Trevor Smith allegedly conducted a roof inspection and reported significant damage that required a full replacement, asserting that the homeowner’s insurance would cover the costs. However, investigations revealed that the reported damages were exaggerated. Smith is also accused of initiating insurance claims on behalf of homeowners without their authorization and impersonating them during communications with insurance companies. Additionally, he allegedly met with insurance adjusters to negotiate claims without holding a valid public insurance adjuster license.
The charges filed against Trevor Smith in Manatee County include unlicensed contracting during a state of emergency and exploitation of the elderly involving amounts over $100,000. In Hillsborough County, he faces charges related to acting as a public insurance adjuster without a license.
Impact on Homeowners and the Insurance Industry
The alleged actions of Smith highlight a broader issue affecting Florida’s homeowners and the insurance industry. Contractors filing false or exaggerated insurance claims contribute to increased litigation and financial losses for insurance companies. These fraudulent activities have been cited as factors leading to higher insurance premiums and the withdrawal of some insurers from the Florida market. In response, state lawmakers have implemented measures to reduce litigation costs for insurance companies, aiming to stabilize the market and potentially lower rates for homeowners.
Apex Roofing and Restoration LLC, the company for which Smith acted as an independent contractor, issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to legal compliance and high service standards. The company stated that they were reviewing the allegations against Smith and pledged cooperation with authorities to ensure fair treatment and adherence to the law.
Smith’s legal counsel, Simon Wiseman, has publicly denied all criminal charges brought against his client. Wiseman expressed confidence that a thorough examination of the facts would lead to Smith’s exoneration.
In Florida, contractors are required to hold valid licenses to perform specific types of work, including roofing. Additionally, acting as a public insurance adjuster necessitates proper licensing. These regulations are designed to protect consumers from substandard work and fraudulent practices. Engaging in unlicensed contracting, particularly during a declared state of emergency, is a serious offense that can result in significant legal penalties. The exploitation of the elderly, especially involving substantial financial sums, is also a grave offense under Florida law, reflecting the state’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations.
Broader Implications and Enforcement Actions
The case against Smith is part of a wider effort by Florida authorities to crack down on unlicensed contracting and insurance fraud. In similar enforcement actions, multi-agency stings have led to numerous arrests for unlicensed contracting and workers’ compensation fraud. These operations aim to protect consumers and maintain the integrity of the construction and insurance industries in Florida.
Conclusion
The allegations against Trevor Smith underscore the critical importance of regulatory compliance in the contracting and insurance industries. Unlicensed contracting and fraudulent insurance practices not only harm individual homeowners but also contribute to broader systemic issues, including increased insurance costs and reduced availability of coverage. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case serves as a cautionary tale for contractors and consumers alike about the necessity of adhering to legal and ethical standards in all business dealings.
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/49415578
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/49686243
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/50514957
- February 26, 2025
- March 05, 2025
- April 01, 2025
- Chola LLC
- Chola LLC
- Jonn Elton
- https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/tasneemnashrulla/man-wrongly-convicted-in-murder-of-a-school-girl-ordered-rel
- https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/nation/aaron-hernandez-indicted-in-2012-double-murder/77-[REDACTED]
- https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2012/7/18/couple_arrested_in_k
- https://www.fox13news.com/news/palm-harbor-man-being-investigated-soliciting-homeowners-negotiating-roof-damage-claims-without-license
Evidence Box
Evidence and relevant screenshots related to our investigation
Targeted Content and Red Flags
Fox 13 Tampa Bay
Palm Harbor man being investigated for soliciting homeowners, negotiating roof damage claims without license
- Red Flag
About the Author
The author is affiliated with TU Dresden and analyzes public databases such as Lumen Database and
Maltego to identify and expose online censorship. In his personal capacity, he and his
team have been actively investigating and reporting on organized crime related
to fraudulent copyright takedown schemes.
Additionally, his team provides
advisory services to major law firms and is frequently consulted on matters
pertaining to intellectual property law.
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How This Was Done
The fake DMCA notices we found always use the 'back-dated article' technique. With this technique, the wrongful notice sender (or copier) creates a copy of a 'true original' article and back-dates it, creating a 'fake original' article (a copy of the true original) that, at first glance, appears to have been published before the true original
What Happens Next?
Based on the feedback, information, and requests received from all relevant parties, our team will formally notify the affected party of the alleged infringement. Following a thorough review, we will submit a counter-notice to reinstate any link that has been removed by Google, in accordance with applicable legal provisions. Additionally, we will communicate with Google’s Legal Team to ensure appropriate measures are taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
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User Reviews
Average Ratings
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Based on 0 ratings
by: Anthony Bennett
bro ain't even licensed and pulling up like he’s a certified contractor 😂 big fraud energy.
by: Zoey Reed
He tried to take down my neighbor’s review too. All cause they called him out on his shady roof work.
by: Matthew Cooper
Scamming old folks after a hurricane?? That’s next-level low. Hope he gets nailed for it.
by: Vivian West
The damage Trevor Smith caused goes beyond money. He deepened trauma for people already hit by disaster. Insurance fraud isn’t victimless it raises costs, ruins lives, and undermines public trust. He should never be near another contract again.
by: Cole Lane
Smith's defense is laughable when the evidence reads like a scammer’s resume. From unauthorized claims to fake roof inspections, his operation stinks of fraud. His victims weren’t just customers they were targets. And they paid the price.
by: Molly Black
Trevor Smith isn’t just unlicensed he’s unethical to the core. Targeting elderly homeowners in crisis shows a level of greed that’s hard to fathom. He didn’t just break rules, he exploited trust. The only thing he built was a mess...
by: Zachary Stone
Scamming over $100K from vulnerable homeowners isn’t a mistake it’s a calculated con.
by: Ruby Henry
A disaster chaser with a criminal streak. That’s who Trevor Smith really is.
by: Jason Graham
Smith’s actions didn’t just target individual homeowners they destabilized an entire industry. Fraud like his fuels rising premiums and insurer exits, punishing everyone else. And what did he gain? A fast buck at the cost of trust and security.
by: Eva Wallace
Acting as a contractor without a license is bad. Exploiting the elderly during a crisis is vile. Trevor Smith managed to do both while impersonating people and faking insurance reports. He belongs in court, not on rooftops.
by: Madison Price
I was elderly and vulnerable after the hurricane, and Trevor Smith took advantage of that. He inflated my insurance claim by thousands, leaving me with nothing but regret.
by: Lucas Gonzalez
Lost $100,000 to Trevor Smith and Apex Roofing after he exaggerated roof damage and faked my insurance claim. He took advantage of me when I needed help most.
by: Logan Cooper
Lost $100,000 to Trevor Smith and Apex Roofing after he exaggerated roof damage and faked my insurance claim. He took advantage of me when I needed help most.
by: Liam Jenkins
I was elderly and vulnerable after the hurricane, and Trevor Smith took advantage of that. He inflated my insurance claim by thousands, leaving me with nothing but regret.
by: Leah White
Smith promised me a full roof replacement and manipulated my insurance. I paid $75,000, and it was all a lie no real damage, just fraud.
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