Experts share tips on recognizing storm recovery fraud

Birmingham, ala. (Wbrc) – On your side we are on your side with a security test that you want to recognize fraudsters who want to use storm victims. As our first alarm weather team follows the storms, there are also fraudsters. You can see which neighborhoods they should aim at.

The Better Business Bureau from Central -Alabama calls it “Sturmjäger”. They say that the fraudsters themselves, like crews of power, prepare themselves, and then after a storm in the neighborhoods that hunt storm victims in need of protection.

If someone knocks on your door or approaches that you claim to be a contractor, there are some things that you should be careful, according to BBB:

• Perform permanent turns before the insurance permit – Always get a confirmation from your insurer before continuing with a work.
• Pay in advance or complete before the job is completed – Fraudsters often require large advance payments and disappear before they end the work.
• High -pressure sales tactics and rush decisions – If an contractor urges you to act immediately, take a step back and research his login information.
• Signing contracts without reading the small print – Make sure that you understand all the conditions, including costs and guarantees, before signing agreements.
• Low estimates that seem too good to be true – Extremely low bids can display below average materials or potential fraud actors.
• Non -licensed or unimaginable work – Check the necessary permits and check the licensing before work begins.

“The key is to ask you for your license.

Bates says that you can take these steps if you have storm damage:

• Contact your insurance company immediately – Compensation and start the claim process as soon as possible.
• Find companies that you can trust – Use Bbb.org Review of contractors and reading customer reviews.
• GET each estimate in writing – Make sure that all details, including work, materials and schedules, are clearly outlined.
• Payment by credit card – This offers additional protection for fraud or disputes.

Register here: Bbb.org/scamtracker.

You also have to look for people who claim to come from Fema or other government agencies. The local law enforcement agencies tell us that they have not yet received any complaints, but they say it is only a matter of time for people who may pretend to be government to assess storm victims.

Our neighbors in Georgia also influenced the same storm system this weekend. Officials receive complaints about persons who claim to be Fema representative with some question some personal data and money to carry out inspections.

Fema asks people in storm recovery areas to be very vigilant. You say the Fema will never calculate inspection. Your employees will also have laminated badges and their nine-digit FEMA registration number. Here are other things that you have to look out for when an agency like Fema approaches you.

“You will have identification badges.

The Fema advises everyone with knowledge of fraud, waste or abuse, these tips to the Fema Disaster hotline was to report on the number 866-720-5721, 24 hours a day. You can also send an email email Stopmafraud@fema.dhs.gov Report a tip.

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