Jeff Deal, WFTV.com

Jeff Deal, WFTV.com

Action 9 consumer investigative reporter

Action 9 consumer investigative reporter Jeff Deal joined the Channel 9 Eyewitness News team in 2006. After 17 years covering some of the biggest stories in central Florida for WFTV, Deal was promoted to Action 9 consumer investigator in 2023. He’s just the second investigator to head the Action 9 team since its creation in 1991. Even before he joined Action 9, Deal had a passion for helping consumers. One of his consumer investigations uncovered shocking business practices at a parking lot near Port Canaveral, where the owner was joyriding in customers’ cars while they were away on cruises. The business closed down and the story garnered worldwide attention, earning WFTV the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award. Deal has also been honored with a National Headliner Award and other regional awards during his journalism career. His main priority is to help consumers protect their families and their wallets by shedding light on scams, rip-offs and questionable business practices. Deal and the Action 9 team have already helped consumers recover tens of thousands of dollars, and they continue to work to hold those responsible for the losses accountable. He enjoys life in Central Florida with his wife Beth and their son. As a graduate of Texas Christian University, Jeff is a fan of Horned Frog sports and is now excited to have UCF and TCU in the same conference. If you have a consumer complaint that you would like Deal and the Action 9 team to look into, you can email action9@wftv.com and jeff.deal@wftv.com.

Latest Headlines by Jeff Deal

Hospital fees hit patients who didn’t even visit the hospital

As healthcare costs continue to rise, patients are feeling the stress. “You just have to be healthy forever. And God forbid you do get sick,” said Orlando resident Evan Burgos. Some believe part of the rising costs are can be contributed to costly hospital fees that patients could be paying even if they are nowhere near a hospital. Patients used to pay these fees when they visited the emergency room or a specialty unit in the hospital, but now hospital facility fees are often tacked on for routine care at regular doctor’s offices.

Woman lost $19,000 to scammers posing as federal workers

A central Florida woman thought the federal government was coming after her and she ended up losing thousands of dollars in a scam. Selina Adorno said, “To some people, $19,000 is not a lot. That was the world to me.” It started with an official looking email that led to threat of imprisonment if she didn’t pay up. Her case is believed to be linked to a multi-million-dollar fraud scheme that’s impacting people around the world.

Woman seeking immigration help loses thousands of dollars

A Volusia County woman wants to bring her brother to the United States to work in Orlando’s hospitality industry. Delma Baugh-Walker said she heard about an opportunity to make it happen through word of mouth. Delma Baugh-Walker said, “People will do anything. They’ll sell their clothes to get an opportunity to come to this country.” But after she paid thousands of dollars for help with the immigration issue, her brother remains stuck in Jamaica, and she believes someone took advantage of her.

‘A tremendous amount of stress’: Lake County couple blames homebuilder for delays

A Lake County couple said building their dream home turned into a nightmare. Stephen DeMatties said, “It’s brought a tremendous amount of stress on our life.” He and his wife Brittni bired a contractor in July of 2023 to build the home they believed would take around ten months, but two years after signing a contract, they said the home wasn't even close to being finished.

Orlando tow company accused of taking car before time expired

A central Florida family had their car towed after paying to park in downtown Orlando. City of Orlando surveillance video shows the car was towed before the time expired on their parking receipt. Kim Quillinan spoke to Action 9 Consumer Investigator Jeff Deal about it because she wants other people in the community to be aware of the issue. “I would hate for this to happen to other people,” she said.

Woman blames popular oil change shop for ruining her transmission

What was supposed to be quick trip for an oil change left Shannon Gerdauskas of DeLand with major concerns about her car. Recalling that day in October, Gerdauskas said, “I was like ‘Oh, my God, is something wrong with the car?” It was a simple mistake made at the Take 5 Oil Change in DeLand that could have cost her nearly $20,000. “I will never use them again. And I would advise everybody I know to never use them again,” she said. Shannon Gerdauskas said she’s been without her car for more than two months, after a worker at Take 5 accidentally drained her transmission fluid and let her drive away.

Man claims $45K item disappeared from UPS shipment

A package sent through UPS didn’t make it to its intended recipient. When it later got returned to the original UPS Store, the sender claims the valuable item inside was missing. Though an interpreter, Gustavo Gonzalez said, “We’ve been trying to get answers from UPS. We've called them, emailed them, faxed them.” The box Gonzalez sent back in February contained a very large piece of specialized equipment valued at more than $45,000.

Florida Insurance Rates Dropping?

Some Floridians may have already noticed their insurance rates are going down in The Sunshine State.  It’s been a few years since major reforms to both home and auto insurance went into effect and now policyholders are starting to see some savings.

$12,000 auto repair bill will be covered after Action 9 investigation

A central Florida man stuck with a $12,000 car repair bill after a water bottle spill will no longer have to cover the costs.  After an Action 9 investigation made headlines around the world, his insurance company reconsidered and will pay for the costly repairs.

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