CyberCriminal.com

Trevor Smith

We are investigating Trevor Smith for allegedly attempting to conceal critical reviews and adverse news from Google by improperly submitting copyright takedown notices. This includes potential violations such as impersonation, fraud, and perjury.

PARTIES INVOLVED : Trevor Smith

ALLEGATIONS : Perjury, Fraud, Impersonation

INCIDENT DATE : February 26, 2025

INVESTIGATED BY : Ethan Katz

TOOLS USED : Lumen, SecurityTrails

CASE NO : 2112/A/2025

CRIME TYPE : Intellectual Property Scam

PUBLISHED ON : March 18, 2025

Trevor Smith
Due Diligence
Get everything we know about Trevor Smith in one downloadable PDF document
Is This About You?
We encourage you to share details of the actual perpetrators and get your story straight.

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.

Responses from Involved Parties

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.

Regulatory and Legal Framework

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

Ameriprise Financial

Trevor Smith

  • Adverse News
Visit Link

Fox 13 Tampa Bay

Palm Harbor man being investigated for soliciting homeowners, negotiating roof damage claims without license

  • Red Flag
Visit Link

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.

Escalate This Case
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Checkboxes

Learn All About Fake Copyright Takedown Scam

Or go directly to the feedback section and share your thoughts

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.

You are Never Alone in Your Fight.

Generate public support against the ones who wronged you!

User Reviews

Domain Check

Stop fraud before it happens with unbeatable speed, scale, depth, and breadth.

Recent Checks

Cyber Investigation

Uncover hidden digital threats and secure your assets with our expert cyber investigation services.

Recent Investigation

Threat Alerts

Stay ahead of cyber threats with our daily list of the latest alerts and vulnerabilities.

Threat Alerts

Client Dashboard

Your trusted source for breaking news and insights on cybercrime and digital security trends.

Client Login