Storm scams surge: Avery warns residents to stay alert

RALEIGH, September 1 — North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey issued a consumer alert warning residents about storm-related scams as the Atlantic hurricane season reaches its midpoint. The alert, published on September 1, 2023, by The Avery Journal-Times, comes as meteorologists describe the 2023 tropical season as comparatively mild due to the effects of El Nino, an irregular weather pattern that disrupts typical regional and global weather patterns. Despite the milder season, Causey emphasized that El Nino will not prevent severe thunderstorms or tornadoes, which can topple trees and damage property. Disaster often brings out scammers who exploit homeowners in need, particularly those with roof damage. Causey’s department has caught fraudsters climbing onto roofs and creating damage where none existed before to generate fraudulent insurance claims. To avoid becoming victims, residents should be wary of unsolicited salespeople offering roof inspections, trust their instincts if uneasy, and contact their insurance agent or the North Carolina Department of Insurance. The Department of Insurance consumer specialists are available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 855-408-1212, and online at www.ncdoi.gov. Suspected roofing or contractor fraud can be reported to the Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840 or toll-free from anywhere in North Carolina at 888-680-7684. Causey urged North Carolinians to help neighbors in need but also to remain vigilant against con artists who use disaster as an opportunity to rip people off. The advisory is part of ongoing consumer protection efforts by the North Carolina Department of Insurance, which regularly issues warnings about fraud schemes following natural disasters. The department encourages homeowners to document any damage with photos, get multiple written estimates from licensed contractors, and verify that contractors are insured and bonded. Residents should also be cautious of contractors who demand large upfront payments or who offer to pay insurance deductibles as an incentive. The department’s fraud investigators work with local law enforcement to prosecute scam artists, and convictions can lead to prison time and restitution. Causey, a Republican, has served as Insurance Commissioner since 2017, and his office oversees insurance regulation, consumer protection, and criminal investigations of insurance fraud in the state. The advisory also reminds residents that hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with the peak typically occurring in September. Even in mild seasons, isolated severe weather can cause significant local damage, making it essential for homeowners to be prepared and informed about potential scams. Looking ahead, the North Carolina Department of Insurance will continue monitoring for fraudulent activity as the hurricane season progresses, with consumer alerts issued as needed to protect residents across the state.

Sources

• Mike Causey — Wikipedia