Here’s How To Avoid Insurance & Contractor Scams
In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, it’s time for Southwest Florida to recover and rebuild. Sadly, there are scammers looking to pull a fast one and try to take cash…
FORT MYERS BEACH, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 03: A destroyed home is seen in the wake of Hurricane Ian on October 3, 2022 in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. The death toll…
Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty ImagesIn the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, it's time for Southwest Florida to recover and rebuild. Sadly, there are scammers looking to pull a fast one and try to take cash out of your wallet. St. Petersburg Police posted four tips to avoid getting taken by fake insurance companies or crooked contractors.
Don't answer this call...
If you get a phone call that you didn’t ask for from someone claiming to be with your insurance company, don’t give out any information to “verify” your account.
Who you SHOULD call...
If you get one of those suspicious calls, hang up! Then, call your insurance company to see if there was any legitimate reason for a call. Chances are it was a fraud.
The contractor says…
If a contractor says they work directly with your insurance company, be skeptical. Do NOT give them your policy number, your coverage amounts, or any other kind of personal information they can use and possibly abuse.
Check on that contractor...
Don’t take a contractor at their word if they say they are licensed and insured. Do your research and check on them at myfloridalicense.com. Plus if you had an issue with the contractor, you can file a complaint.
Just a little critical thinking and research can help you avoid insurance and contractors scams. [SOURCE St. Petersburg Police]
Photos From the Ground: Weekend Clean Up In South Florida After Hurricane Ian
Our friends to the south are still reeling from the direct hit by Hurricane Ian. Here are some of the scenes from the ground. Our station is part of the Beasley Media Group. We sent broadcast equipment to our affiliate stations in Fort Myers to help those without power and cell service to get updates on where to find food and help. If you'd like to offer your support, money is being raised for the American Red Cross relief efforts at bbgi.com/donate.
(Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)Whitney Hall waves to a friend from the remains of his home while waving the American flag amidst wreckage left in the wake of Hurricane Ian on the island of Matlacha.
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)James Pironti washes off the muddy money he recovered from his bedroom in Fort Myers.
(Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)A storm damaged Bentley rests against a tree in Bonita Springs, Florida.
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)A fish lays on the road after Hurricane Ian passed through the area in Fort Myers.
Joe Raedle/Getty ImagesWheels peek out of the water in Fort Myers Beach.
(Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)Sanibel Island, Florida.
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)Members of the Indiana Task Force 1 Search and Rescue team look for anyone needing help in Fort Myers.
(Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)A resident of a neighborhood flooded by the rising Myakka River carries her dog after being evacuated in North Port.
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)Dan Beazley rolls a cross through an area where homes were destroyed in Fort Myers. Mr. Beazley said he brought the cross with him to help hurricane victims with healing and love.
Sean Rayford/Getty ImagesPeople talk near boats resting on a sidewalk Saturday in Bonita Springs, Florida.
(Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)The wait in line for gas Saturday in Bonita Springs, Florida.
(Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)A resident paddling a kayak returns to his home with supplies in a neighborhood flooded by a rising Myakka River in North Port, Florida.
(Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)A storm damaged residence in the wake of Hurricane Ian on Sanibel Island, Florida. Known for rescues in Afghanistan and Ukraine, the Project DYNAMO team was unable to make contact with the person they were searching for.
(Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)Bryan Stern, right, Dean Calderone, and Alexander Toal, left, of the Project DYNAMO rescue organization, look into a garage on Sanibel Island.
