"Recovering from a disaster is an intimidating task, and homeowners should not be victimized twice," NICB President and CEO David Glawe said in a release. "Dishonest contractors further complicate the situation by exploiting victims at the expense of homeowners and insurance providers resulting in higher insurance costs for everyone." (Credit: Timothy D. Easley/AP)
As wildfires and floods decimate communities across the country, policyholders need to be reminded to watch out for dubious characters poising as contractors in an attempt to swindle homeowners out of insurance claim settlements.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reported these schemes often begin with unsolicited offers for repair work following a natural disaster. This is followed by pressuring homeowners into paying out their insurance claim prior to repairs being made. Once the payment is collected, the contractors disappear without completing the promised repairs.
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Steve Hallo
Steve Hallo is managing editor of PropertyCasualty360.com. He can be reached at [email protected]
