Avoid Insurance Fraud

Insurance Fraud

Unethical vendors or public adjusters may approach you with fraudulent schemes. These schemes usually involve kickbacks to the vendor or adjuster. You may also see a contractor or vendor ask you for a large down payment to begin work and repairs, and after they collect your money, you won’t ever see them again.

It is important to be aware of these situations and know what to do if you encounter them. Here are some useful tips:

How to Avoid Fraud 

1. Check with insurer or us, your insurance agent, for credible remediation companies, contractors, or vendors.
2. Beware of high pressure sales people. Don’t be rushed into signing a contract. Take the time to obtain written estimates from more than one vendor.
3. Know who you are dealing with. Obtain references, check with the Better Business Bureau, review licenses and ensure the vendor you select is properly insured. Be wary of anyone who approaches you unsolicited or says they can perform your repairs at a discount with leftover supplies from another job.
4. Get at least three (3) written, itemized estimates or bids on repairs.
5. Don’t make large down payments. Although down payments are customary, some unethical vendors disappear after receiving the down payment or performing limited work.
6. Check for proof of insurance and verify with their insurer that their policy is current.
7. Check to see if the contractor is bonded and verify with the bonding agency.
8. Do not sign a certificate of completion or make final payment until you are satisfied with the work performed.

Resources 

We hope that you are not fraud victim; but in the event that you believe someone is committing a fraud scheme or if you fall victim to one, you should contact the NCDF (National Center for Disaster Fraud) immediately. The NCDF is a national coordinating agency within the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division dedicated to improving the detection, prevention, investigation, and prosecution of criminal conduct related to natural and man-made disasters and other emergencies, such as the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Call the Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866.720.5721

Or visit online at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud

If you suspect an adjuster is working without a license, or if they urge you to overstate an insurance claim or if you otherwise suspect fraud, call 850.413.3089

This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. The Villages Insurance Partners, LLC, and its affiliates, do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice.  Please consult with your own tax, legal or accounting professionals before engaging in any transaction. Please remember that the information contained in this email is general in nature and that coverage under any specific policy of insurance will depend upon the terms and conditions of that policy. This is not a summary of coverage nor should it be interpreted as such. Please refer to your policy for the exact policy terms and conditions afforded.