When severe weather leaves a trail of destruction, another kind of danger can lurk: disreputable characters seek to profit from the cleanup and repair efforts. These fraudulent “storm chasers” can cause serious problems for victims and for those who want to help them.

“Homeowners just want to rebuild their lives,” says Jim Quiggle, communications director at the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud. “It’s easy to fall prey to talkative crooks.”

Avoid dishonest entrepreneurs, bogus charities, and other schemes with these tips.

Common disaster scams and how to avoid them

1. False subcontractors

“Beware of out-of-state contractors who show up on your doorstep unexpectedly,” says Anna Stafford, spokesperson for the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association. These contractors come to town hoping to capitalize on the widespread damage, but may use shoddy materials, save money to increase their profits, or leave before the job is finished.

How to avoid problems:

• Request quotes from several local businesses and read their reviews.
• Ask for proof of address, license and insurance.
• Check the Better Business Bureau for complaints.

2. Requests for payment in advance or in cash

If a contractor asks for full payment before starting repairs, that should be a red flag. He can take your money and run away. Some may also try to avoid paying taxes or buying legally required insurance by asking for cash payments.

How to avoid problems:

• Make a deposit of 20% to 30%; pay the balance only when the work is completed.
• Pay by check or credit card, never cash. This way you can dispute the payments if you find the work unsatisfactory.

3. Sign insurance checks

Beware of contractors asking you to assign the rights to an insurance paycheck. This gives contractors the ability to see how much you’ve been awarded and adjust the invoice accordingly, and like paying in cash, you’ll leave no recourse if the work is substandard.

How to avoid problems:

• If you have a mortgage, be aware that the check will likely be made payable to your lender. Payment for repairs will be arranged through your mortgage lender.
• If you own your home, “deposit the insurance money into your bank account, then pay in stages once you and your insurer are satisfied that the job has been done correctly,” says Quiggle.
• Refuse entrepreneurs who offer “to pay your franchise as an incentive to get your business,” says Jim Camoriano, spokesperson for State Farm. It is nothing more than a shady marketing tactic.

4. Incomplete contracts

Avoid contractors who ask you to sign blank, incomplete, or vague contracts with a promise to complete things later. Blanks or statements like “see insurance quote” allow dishonest contractors to enter unfair terms.

How to avoid problems:

• Carefully inspect your contract before signing it. Make sure your copy is the same as the contractor’s copy.
• If you don’t understand the contract, ask your claims adjuster to review it.
• Contracts must be official documents, not hand-scribbled, and signed by all parties before work begins.

5. Surprise damage

Contractors who suddenly discover a new, costly problem after construction begins might be looking to pump up the bill.

How to avoid problems:

• Stop repairs.
• Contact your insurer immediately. “Finding new damage can require considerable negotiation and discussion between the contractor and the adjusters,” says Quiggle.

6. False government agents

Be skeptical if people claiming to represent the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, show up at your doorstep. Scammers may ask for your Social Security number or other personal information under the guise of filing a claim. They can even ask for a payment to “speed things up”.

How to avoid problems:

• If a suspected officer shows up, ask to see government-issued photo ID.
• Request FEMA assistance only by contacting the agency directly.
• Remember, FEMA does not charge anything for support, applications, or inspections.

»FOR FEMA ASSISTANCE IN CASE OF DISASTER: Visit Disaster Assistance.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA.

7. Auto fraud

People can try to repair and resell vehicles damaged by flooding, a common practice after Hurricane Katrina. While it is not illegal to sell a flooded vehicle, hiding the damage from a buyer could be a criminal offense.

How to avoid problems:

• Use a vehicle identification number (VIN) to obtain a vehicle history report from an agency like Carfax or AutoCheck.
• Inspect the vehicle, title deed, and ownership documents for any clues that it could be a salvage vehicle, meaning it suffered damage so severe that the insurance company l ‘declared total loss.

8. Phishing for donations

Emails soliciting donations after a disaster should be treated with caution. They can be used to steal funds or your identity, or to infect your computer.

How to avoid problems:

• Do not click on links or open attachments in unsolicited e-mail messages.
• Check organizations by contacting them directly. Contact details can be found on the BBB Wise Giving Alliance.

9. Automated flood insurance calls

These deceptive calls tell people that their flood insurance premiums are past due. A message requires immediate payment in order to be covered for a recent flood.

How to avoid problems:

• Hang up the phone immediately.
• Call your agent or insurer to confirm policy status.
• Call the National Flood Insurance Program at 1-800-638-6620 if you have federal coverage.

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