Don't Fall Victim To These Scams!

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. - March 21, 2024 - PRLog -- 1. Pretend Home Insurance Appraisers and Contractors

After a mild or severe storm, scammers will target neighborhoods affected by storm damage. They often go door-to-door, pretending to be home insurance appraisers, looking to help you fix a roof after a hail storm, for example.

You may need repairs but a legitimate appraiser from your insurance company will never come to your home without prior notice, and usually not unless you file a claim.

Insurers are not in the business of door-to-door soliciting, and these fake appraisers may contract someone out to do work on your home but with inferior materials and subpar results, all after pocketing the claim money. If they had your insurance information and received the money directly or if you pay them before they begin work, they may leave town without doing any work at all.

2. Fake Injured "Passenger"

After an accident, call the police, no matter how minor the damages are to your car and the other driver's car. It's also a good idea not only to take photos of the damages to the other car but also of the passengers. There have been cases in which there were no witnesses to an accident, but people the driver has never seen before came forth, claiming to have sustained injuries in the car accident. These fake passengers may have legitimate physical problems but it'll be your word against theirs without proof. This is a common auto insurance scam.

3. Predatory Tow Trucks

Scavenger tow trucks roam around looking for accidents and they may seize upon your car accident before you call for help or while you're waiting for help. The problem is that they will hit you with an enormous bill, leaving you little choice but to pay it to get your car back.

Do not use a service you did not request. This type of scam runs so rampant that in some states, it's against the law for tow trucks to report and offer services at a scene unless requested to do so to avoid this scam.

States Laws Against Predatory Towing
Many states have legislation either in place or in the works. Here are some of the bills, but you can call 800-835-6422 if you've experienced a towing scam.

For 4 more scams visit https://smartfinancial.com/insurance-scams-to-avoid