NICB: Where Storms Hit Fraud Often Follows

For Unsolicited Repairs, If You Didn't Request It — Reject It

DES PLAINES, Ill., April 16, 2014 — As the traditional storm season approaches, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) and its nearly 1,100 member insurance companies are warning consumers to ensure that they have a disaster plan. By taking precautionary steps to ensure their personal safety, as well as to protect their property, people can greatly reduce the risk of injury. Having food and water sufficient for your family's needs for at least three days is recommended, as is having a battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio.

While personal survival from a storm or other natural disaster is paramount, consideration must also be given to surviving one financially if your home is damaged or destroyed, and that is most effectively provided through insurance. However, many times disaster victims fall prey to predatory and fraudulent repair scams perpetrated by individuals looking for a fast buck, usually at a victim's expense.

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