Contractor Fraud Guides
After every disaster, the scammers arrive with the contractors. These guides teach you the red flags — door-knockers, upfront deposits, assignment-of-benefits pressure, fake officials — and how to verify a contractor's license before you sign anything.
- Storm-Chaser Scams: The Door-Knocker Playbook After Every Disaster
Out-of-state crews knock days after disasters with free inspections and pressure contracts. Learn the playbook, the red flags, and how to hire safely.
- Assignment of Benefits Abuse: Signing Away Your Insurance Claim
An assignment of benefits transfers your insurance claim rights to a contractor. Learn what AOB forms do, the pressure tactics, and how to protect yourself.
- Upfront Deposit Fraud: When the Contractor Takes the Money and Vanishes
Deposits are normal; huge cash deposits upfront are a red flag. Learn reasonable ranges, milestone payments, and what to do if a contractor disappears.
- Fake Public Adjusters: Unlicensed 'Help' That Costs You Twice
Real public adjusters are state-licensed. Fakes solicit door-to-door after disasters for a cut of your claim. Learn license checks and fee math first.
- FEMA Impersonation Scams: Spotting Fake Disaster Officials
FEMA never charges fees or asks for bank info by phone or at your door. Learn exactly how impersonators operate, how to verify officials, and safe channels.
- Roof-Replacement Scams: 'Free Roofs,' Inflated Claims, and Fraud Charges
The free roof pitch can hide inflated claims and deductible fraud that implicates the homeowner. Learn the scam patterns, red flags, and how to stay safe.
- Post-Disaster Price Gouging: What's Illegal and What's Just Expensive
After a disaster, repair prices spike — but some increases are illegal. Learn how price-gouging laws work, how to document quotes, and when to report.
- Fake Charity Scams After Disasters: Where Your Donation Really Goes
Fake charities bloom after every disaster. Learn the red flags, how to verify a charity's registration, and the safest ways to make sure your donation helps.
- How to Verify a Contractor's License Before You Sign Anything
Don't hand a deposit to a stranger with a truck. Follow this step-by-step guide to verify a contractor's license, insurance, complaints, and references first.
- Mechanic's Lien Fraud: When a Contractor Claims Against Your Home
A mechanic's lien lets unpaid contractors claim against your home — and shady operators abuse it as leverage. Learn how liens work, lien waivers, and defenses.
- Inflated Repair Estimates: When Contractor and Adjuster Numbers Don't Match
Contractor says $40,000, adjuster says $18,000. Learn why estimates diverge, how supplements work, and where aggressive pricing crosses into fraud.
- Disaster-Relief Grant Scams: Fake Aid, Real Identity Theft
Fake disaster grants harvest your SSN and bank info — real aid never charges fees. Learn the red flags, how to verify aid, and what to do if you applied.
Common questions
What's the most common contractor scam after a disaster?
Door-to-door solicitors offering 'free' inspections that turn into high-pressure repair contracts — often paired with assignment-of-benefits forms that hand your insurance claim to the contractor. Never sign claim rights away at your doorstep.
How do I verify a contractor is legitimate?
Check the license with your state's contractor licensing board, confirm active insurance, get everything in writing, and never pay the full amount upfront. Our verification guide walks through each step.
Is this legal advice?
No. These guides are educational content about common fraud patterns. If you've been victimized, report it to your state attorney general and consult a licensed attorney.
Insurance rules change — verify current requirements with the NAIC or your state’s insurance department.
Educational content, not legal advice. Deadlines, rules, and coverage vary by state, carrier, and policy — read your policy and consult a licensed professional for your situation.