(Los Angeles, CA) – Scambook, the leading online complaint resolution platform, is warning those impacted by Superstorm Sandy about insurance fraud that will be potentially damaging to their livelihood. Superstorm Sandy will undoubtedly go down as one of the most furious storms in recorded history, with estimated damages topping out at $50 billion. According to Eqecat, Inc., a catastrophic risk management firm, between $10 billion and $20 billion of those damages will be insured.
“Unfortunately, whether you’re insured or not, there will be a handful of insurance fraudsters exploiting the devastation and losses you are experiencing for their own financial gain,” said Kase Chong, Scambook’s Director of Marketing. “To protect residents in areas affected by Sandy, Scambook has compiled some simple tips to avoid becoming a victim of insurance fraud.”
Tip #1: Know The Company You Are Dealing With
After a disaster like Sandy, you might get a phone call or even a personal visit from someone claiming to be an insurance agent. They might offer you a great policy to insure yourself against any future storm damage, but they may be representing a company you’ve never heard of. Although you certainly don’t have to purchase the most expensive policy from the most well-known companies, it’s crucial that you thoroughly research the company. If their website looks poorly constructed with no customer reviews from trusted sources, or there are complaints about the company on Scambook, this is a huge red flag.
Tip #2: Ask For Proof of Insurance License
Any legitimate insurance agent should gladly provide you with proof they are licensed. You should also check to see if the company is licensed by your state’s department of insurance. Buying an unlicensed insurance policy is as good as giving away your money for no reason.
Tip #3: Fill Out Everything Completely
Even if you’re dealing with a legitimate insurance company that you trust, you need to fill out all paperwork completely. It’s important to read every single line and understand each detail, even if it seems insignificant. In addition, be completely honest on your application. Don’t ever let an agent convince you to lie. Most importantly, never sign blank applications or any other blank form. Even small errors could come back to cause you large problems later on.
Tip #4: Get Your Policy
As with anything you buy or sign up for, always keep a hard copy of your insurance policy. Review the document to make sure you’re getting what you paid for and store it in a safe place. Take as much time as you need to thoroughly check the terms of coverage. Then, if you ever need to rely on your policy, you understand everything and you know what to expect.
ABOUT SCAMBOOK
Scambook is an online complaint resolution platform dedicated to obtaining justice for victims of fraud with unprecedented speed and accuracy. By building communities and providing resources on the latest scams, Scambook arms consumers with the up-to-date information they need to stay on top of emerging schemes. Since its inception, Scambook has resolved over $3 million in reported consumer damages. For more information, visit scambook.com.