Illinois Residents Warned of Contractor Fraud After Record Tornado Season

The surge in severe weather—ranging from a recent derecho to persistent flooding across the Chicago metro area—has created a prime environment for opportunistic scams. NICB President and CEO David J. Glawe notes that fraudsters often target families eager to start recovery, pressuring them into hasty agreements before insurance claims are fully processed.

Red flags include high-pressure door-to-door sales, demands for full upfront payment, or offers to waive insurance deductibles. Experts advise residents to verify all credentials and avoid signing "Assignment of Benefits" forms, which can legally transfer insurance policy rights to a third party. Homeowners should never provide personal information to callers claiming to represent an insurance carrier without first confirming a valid claim number. When hiring, the bureau recommends gathering multiple written estimates and recording the contractor's driver’s license and vehicle plate numbers. If a service was not requested, the safest move is to reject it entirely.