Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services Warns Iowans of Storm-Related Scams

Be the reason your community stays informed—give to local journalism now! DES MOINES — In the wake of recent severe storms and flooding in Chickasaw, Winnebago, and Winneshiek Counties, 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 disasters, 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. Contractors, public adjusters, and insurance claims: What is a contractor: Following damage or a loss, you may need to hire a contractor to build or repair your home. Contractors are hired at a cost to build or make repairs following an insurance claim. All contractors who earn over $2,000 a year for their services must be registered with the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing. Can a contractor assess your property: Property owners are encouraged to talk with their insurance agent and allow their insurance company to assess the damage following a claim. Obtain two estimates, if possible, for the damage from registered contractors. A contractor cannot investigate, appraise, evaluate, give advice, prepare a claim, negotiate, advocate on behalf of, or assist their customer in the adjustment of a claim. This includes advertising to be "claim specialists or analysts," claiming that the contractor can "deal with insurance companies," or in any way increase the claim settlement amount for the policyholder. Consumers have the right to consult a public adjuster to negotiate with their insurance company. 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: If concerned about a shady contractor, report them to the Iowa Attorney General's Office at 888-777-4590. If worried about an insurance scam, contact the Iowa Insurance Division at 877-955-1212 or 515-654-6600. For more information on post-disaster resources and how to protect yourself from scammers, visit https://iid.iowa.gov/post-disaster-resources. Unlock a world of knowledge! Sign up for free DecorahNews.com newsletters and receive local news, local events and everything that is happening in and around Decorah.