Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services warns Iowans of storm-related scams
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DES MOINES, Iowa — In the wake of recent severe weather and extreme winds across the state, the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services urges Iowans to be on the lookout for scams and contractors looking to exploit storm relief efforts. Following storms, scammers often take advantage of communities during times of need, utilizing deceptive tactics to steal people’s hard-earned money. It’s essential to stay vigilant about storm-related scams.
Take pictures and document everything before starting major cleanup. Be sure to hold onto any receipts used on temporary repairs. Contact your insurance agent immediately to file a claim. Be sure to provide your insurance company with a detailed description of the damage, report damages to local emergency management, be wary of shady contractors looking to benefit off your loss and apply for FEMA assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov.
Common
disaster-related scams:
• Contractor fraud: Following storms, disingenuous contractors known as “storm chasers” may offer to repair your home and disappear without doing or completing the work after accepting payment. Never pay large sums up front, and always verify a contractor’s credentials and registration with the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing. If you are suspicious of a storm chaser scam, report the scam at the Iowa Attorney General’s Office at (888) 777-4590. If you feel a contractor is acting as an unlicensed public adjuster, contact the Iowa Insurance Division.
• Insurance scams: Be on the lookout for scammers claiming to assist with or expedite insurance claims. Only deal with your insurance company directly. To report insurance scams, contact the Iowa Insurance Division at (877) 955-1212 or (515) 654-6600.
• FEMA scams: Scammers may try to impersonate FEMA representatives to obtain personal information. If a FEMA representative comes to your home following a disaster event, check their official FEMA identification. Remember, FEMA will never ask for your financial information or charge for assistance.
How to protect yourself:
• Verify credentials: Before accepting the services of a contractor or organization, always verify credentials.
• Be cautious of unsolicited offers: If contacted by someone offering to assist following a disaster, always verify their credentials, and know that their offering is usually too good to be true.
• Never pay with cash or up-front lump sums: Scammers prefer untraceable payments and utilize pressure tactics to receive payment immediately. Don’t make large up-front payments and consider using a credit card.
• Report suspicious activity
For more information on post-disaster resources and how to protect yourself from scammers, visit https://iid.iowa.gov/post-disaster-resources.
