Event Also Raises Awareness of Contractor
Fraud
MOBILE,
Ala., May 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Every
year, hurricanes, tornadoes, and other catastrophic events leave
millions of Americans struggling to recover and rebuild their
lives. Unfortunately, these events also provide an opening for
dishonest contractors looking to take advantage of
homeowners. Last year was a historic year for billion-dollar
weather and climate disasters in the U.S. with 28 separate events
costing at least $1 billion and
totaling more than $93 billion in
catastrophe losses. Upwards of 10 percent or $9.3 billion is lost to post-disaster
fraud, which not only impacts individuals, but also
impacts insurance premiums throughout the industry.
To help combat this growing nationwide problem, the Alabama
Department of Insurance is joining with the National Insurance
Crime Bureau (NICB) to raise awareness with an event in the
Mobile, Alabama metro area on
Saturday, May 18, 2024 as part of
Contractor Fraud Awareness Week (CFAW). The event
will focus on preparing for a natural disaster and
how homeowners and business owners can identify the signs of
contractor fraud and how to avoid becoming a victim of
deceptive contractors after a natural disaster.
MAY 18TH
CONTRACTOR FRAUD EXPO
- WHAT: Are you Prepared? How to
avoid becoming a victim of contractor fraud
-
-
- Meet with Alabama First Responders and learn more about
preparing for a catastrophic event
- Learn how to identify a legitimate contractor from a potential
fraudster
- Learn how to identify and safely escape a rip current
- Learn about upcoming severe weather season from National
Weather Service
- Learn about Gulf climate and resilience projects from Alabama
Sea Grant Consortium
- Touch and interact with first responder and military vehicles
from Alabama National Guard, MedStar EMS, Daphne Fire Department,
Daphne Police Department and Daphne
Search and Rescue
- WHEN: Saturday, May 18,
2024 - 10am – 2pm
- WHERE: Home Depot, Jubilee Mall Shopping Center, 7100
US-90, Daphne, AL 36526
- WHO: National Insurance Crime Bureau, Alabama Emergency Management Agency, Home
Depot, South Alabama Regional Planning Commission Area Agency on
Aging, Mobile and Baldwin County
EMAs, National Weather Service, Sea Grant Consortium Alabama
National Guard/State Military Office, Alabama Department of
Insurance (State Fire Marshal, Fraud Division,
Consumer Services)
MORE INFO:
https://www.nicb.org/news/events/are-you-prepared-contractor-fraud-expo
NICB partners with government agencies, as well as its members,
to educate homeowners and businesses on how to avoid becoming a
victim of insurance fraud. It sponsors public
awareness events across the country and works with local law
enforcement agencies to help catch fraudsters taking advantage of
hardworking Americans. NICB also participates in federal, state and
local task forces, fusion centers, and intelligence groups to
combat insurance fraud, while working strategically
with lawmakers and regulators in all 50 states to boost efforts by
insurers and law enforcement to fight insurance fraud
crime trends.
NICB recommends following these tips before hiring a
contractor:
Be Proactive
- Assess Damages: If you think you have
catastrophe-related damage, reach out to your insurance company,
and ask for clarification on your coverage.
- Recruit a Professional: Seek out a licensed, insured,
and well-reviewed contractor before any potential fraudulent
contractors come knocking on your door.
Research and Verify Before Signing Anything
- Research and Verify: Before hiring a contractor,
research their credentials, reputation, and track record. Check for
licenses, certifications, and reviews from previous clients. Verify
their insurance coverage and inquire about any past complaints or
legal issues.
- Get Multiple Quotes: Obtain bids from multiple
contractors for comparison. Be wary of significantly low bids, as
they may indicate substandard work or hidden costs. Aim for a
balance between affordability and quality.
- Beware of Red Flags: Be alert to red flags such as
high-pressure sales tactics, vague or evasive answers, or
reluctance to provide written estimates or contracts. Trust your
instincts and proceed with caution if something seems off.
Stay Involved and Take Account
- Written Contracts: Always insist on a written contract
detailing the scope of work, materials, timeline, and a payment
schedule that does not include large upfront payments. Review the
contract carefully, ensuring that all terms and conditions are
clearly outlined and agreed upon by both parties.
- Stay Involved: Stay actively involved in the project by
regularly communicating with the contractor and monitoring
progress, while keeping records of all work communications.
- Seek Legal Advice if Necessary: If you suspect
contractor fraud or encounter significant problems
during the project, seek legal advice promptly. A legal
professional can help you understand your rights, explore options
for resolution, and take appropriate action to protect your
interests.
Report Fraud
Anyone with information concerning insurance fraud or
vehicle theft can report it by calling toll-free 800.TEL.NICB
(800.835.6422).
About the National Insurance Crime Bureau: Headquartered in
Oak Brook, Ill., the National
Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) is the nation's leading
not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to combatting and
preventing insurance crime through Intelligence, Analytics, and
Operations; Education and Crime Prevention; and Strategy, Policy,
and Advocacy. NICB is supported by more than 1,200 property and
casualty insurance companies and self-insured organizations. To
learn more, visit NICB.org.
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SOURCE National Insurance Crime Bureau