Hurricane Sally: Potential Fraud?

While clean-up efforts are underway in parts of Alabama and Florida in the wake of severe damage from Hurricane Sally, residents are urged to be wary of unlicensed contractors and potential scam artists.  Damage has been catastrophic, leaving many in need of urgent home repairs. In the aftermath of this storm, consumers need to be educated on how to find legitimate and reputable contractors, so they don’t fall prey to unfortunate fraudulent activity. 

 In AL, The Home Builders Licensure Board, the Dept. of Insurance and the Attorney General’s office are all working to educate consumers by putting out the following list of recommendations. Before any repair work is done, consumers should check a contractor’s license and ask to actually see their licensure card to ensure its validity, check a contractor’s references especially for any contractors from out of town, get all quotes and contracts in writing, talk to their insurance company, and finally ask the contractor for proof of insurance including workers’ compensation and general liability.  Making informed decisions during this time is critical.  Additionally, in AL, anyone can check on a builder’s license status by calling 1-800-304-0853, or by visiting www.hblb.alabama.gov.

 In FL, The Disaster Fraud Action Strike Team (DFAST), comprised of eight trained insurance fraud and workers’ compensation investigators has been deployed to educate and inform the public.  This team educates consumers about possible signs of fraud and ensures that workers’ compensation laws are being followed.  Per FL CFO, Jimmy Patronis, consumers should be leery of any contractor offering to waive or discount an insurance deductible, anyone who has collected payment but not rendered home repairs, and anyone who had you sign an AOB but has not provided the promised repairs.  FL residents concerned they may have been a victim of fraud can report it to MyFloridaCFO.com.  Additionally, residents who need insurance assistance and help with the claims process are encouraged to call the Insurance Consumer Helpline which is toll-free at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (693-5236). 

References: https://www.myfloridacfo.com/sitePages/newsroom/pressRelease.aspx?ID=5647

https://mynbc15.com/news/local/authorities-warn-of-unlicensedunscrupulous-contractors-in-wake-of-hurricane-sally