New York Issues Proclamation to Highlight Post-Disaster Contractor Fraud

New York is joined forces with the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) during NICB’s Contractor Fraud Awareness Week to educate homeowners on how to avoid becoming a victim of deceptive contractors after a natural disaster. These catastrophic events can leave millions of Americans across the country struggling to recover and rebuild their lives. Unfortunately, these events also provide an opening for dishonest contractors looking to take advantage of homeowners. In 2021, insurers paid $92 billion in catastrophe losses, with upwards of 10% or $9.2 billion lost to post-disaster fraud. This can add hundreds of dollars to a homeowner’s annual premium. To address this issue, NICB is hosting its third annual Contractor Fraud Awareness Week (CFAW) from May 22 to May 26, 2023.

“Catastrophic events impact millions of Americans every year, including those in New York, and we are especially grateful to Governor Hochul for helping highlight this important issue,”

David J. Glawe, president and CEO of NICB said. “From hurricanes to floods and everything in between, these events are often scary and life changing. But what makes these events even worse is what happens afterward as homeowners affected by these natural disasters are targeted by dishonest contractors. Often before the flood waters recede or rescue operations are complete, unscrupulous contractors prey upon individuals who are at their most vulnerable. Before hiring anyone, call your insurance company first. If you didn’t request it, then you should reject it.”
“Contractor fraud in New York is a real threat and educating consumers on how they can protect themselves after catastrophe strikes is a priority for the insurance industry,” Ellen Melchionni, president of the New York Insurance Association (NYIA) said. “NYIA is proud to partner with the National Insurance Crime Bureau to teach consumers about the difference between legitimate businesses and unscrupulous contractors and help ensure they hire reputable companies in times of need.”

NICB recommends reviewing the following tips before hiring a contractor for services:
• Be wary of anyone knocking on your door offering unsolicited repairs to your home.
• Be suspicious of contractors who try to rush you, especially on non-emergency or temporary repairs.
• Be on the lookout for change order fraud, when a corrupt contractor submits fraudulent change orders to increase the work price or improperly extend a contract without your permission.
• Do not believe a contractor who says they are supported by the government. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) does not endorse individual contractors or loan companies. Call FEMA toll-free at 800.621.FEMA for more information.
• Be selective in choosing a contractor. Consider recommendations from trustworthy sources, such as family, friends, and neighbors, or search online.
• Get at least three written estimates for the work and compare bids. Check credentials with the Better Business Bureau or state attorney general’s office to see if the contractors have any outstanding complaints.
• Always have a written, detailed contract that clearly states everything the contractor will do, including prices for labor and materials, clean-up procedures, and estimated start and finish dates.
• Never sign a contract with blank spaces. A crooked contractor could alter after they receive your signature.
• Never pay for work upfront. Always inspect the work and make sure you’re satisfied before you pay. Most contractors will require a reasonable down payment to start but do not pay anything until you have a written contract.
• Avoid paying with cash; use a check or credit card instead. This creates a record of your payments to the contractor.
• Download a copy of the NICB Post-Disaster Contractor Search Checklist, which walks victims through the contractor hiring process.