46.3 F
Clarksville
Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeNewsTennessee flood victims, be on guard against fraud artists

Tennessee flood victims, be on guard against fraud artists

FEMA representatives in touch with the Department have instructions for people affected by the historic flood that has devastated Middle Tennessee: Treat with suspicion anyone claiming to be with the agency who shows up unannounced.

“FEMA, whose representatives have been explaining their process, are clear – people claiming to be with FEMA who show up unannounced to the homes of residents without their case information are likely fraud artists,” says Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) Commissioner Leslie A. Newman. “FEMA recommends you call the police, should that occur.”

Legitimate FEMA representatives set up appointments with flood victims before showing up to homes, and have personal data related to the homeowner – such as Social Security and FEMA-specific disaster applicant ID numbers that the agency will use to track victims’ cases.

Whether residents have flood coverage or not, they should contact both their homeowners insurance carrier and FEMA, which can be contacted at 1-800-621-FEMA, or www.fema.gov. Also visit www.disasterassistance.gov/.

HOME CONTRACTOR SCAMS

Natural disasters are stressful. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Keep in mind that fraud artists like to prey on people in desperate situations. Some fraud artists pose as home contractors and attempt to take money from unsuspecting homeowners eager to get their homes repaired.

Don’t be pressured into making a snap decision. As the consumer, you are always in the driver’s seat. Don’t sign any blank contracts. If you have any questions, contact FEMA or the Department. Before you pay anyone, first verify that the contractor has the appropriate license from the state.

Visit http://verify.tn.gov or http://licsrch.state.tn.us/. After typing in two requested words to get past the security prompt, enter the name of the contractor or firm and pull down “contractors” or “home improvement” from the drop-down menu.

Then hit “search.”?Remember: Legitimate contractors should not have a problem with you pausing to verify their license status.

DEPARTMENTAL RESOURCES 

  • People with questions about insurance should call 800-342-4029 or e-mail: CIS.complaints@tn.gov.
  • People with questions about consumer issues should call 800-342-8385 or e-mail: consumer.affairs@tn.gov.
  • People with questions related to the Regulatory Boards should call 800-544-7693 or e-mail: reg.boards@tn.gov.

The Department of Commerce and Insurance works to protect consumers while ensuring fair competition for industries and professionals who do business in Tennessee. www.tn.gov/commerce/

RELATED ARTICLES

Latest Articles