SAN DIEGO -- A newly formed task force made up of state and local officials will crack down on scam artists who take advantage of fire victims in San Diego County, it was announced Tuesday.

The creation of the Disaster Fraud Task Force was announced at the county's Office of Emergency Services in Kearny Mesa by state Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis and Sheriff Bill Kolender.

"As fire survivors are let back into their neighborhoods, so are criminals," Poizner warned.

"It is despicable that some people use tragedy for personal gain," he said. "But let this be a clear warning, if you intend to take advantage of fire victims during this difficult time, we will find you, arrest you and throw away the key."

Uniformed and undercover officers have been deployed to fire-ravaged neighborhoods to conduct sweeps in an effort to prevent criminals from deceiving victims, according to Poizner.

The task force includes representatives from:

the California Department of Insurance

District Attorney's Office

Department of Homeland Security

Office of Inspector General

California State Contractors License Board

California Department of Labor Standards Enforcement

San Diego County Sheriff's Department

San Diego Police Department

California Office of Emergency Services

California Department of Motor Vehicles

California Attorney General's Office

National Insurance Crime Bureau.