"Unfortunately, disasters can bring out the worst in some people," said Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. "Vulnerable homeowners are often targeted by unscrupulous contractors and vendors in disasters such as wildfires. Our enforcement team is focused on educating consumers so they do not become victims of scam artists intent on taking advantage of homeowners that have already suffered so much."
Detectives and investigators walked the streets and attended town hall meetings to educate residents about how to protect themselves from scams and report suspicious activity to authorities.
Another concern is public adjusters that solicit business from wildfire victims. Public adjusters are prohibited from soliciting contracts from homeowners for seven days following a disaster. In fact, it is a felony for a public adjuster to approach a homeowner for business within that seven-day period.
Enforcement officers were also on the lookout for unscrupulous vendors and contractors participating in the underground economy by working without workers' compensation insurance, proper licenses, or using cash-pay. California's underground economy is estimated to total into the billions of dollars.
"Illegal activities by businesses participating in the underground economy create a multi-billion dollar drain on our economy and leaves employees and consumers at risk," said Jones. "Businesses that cheat the system also hurt legitimate businesses that play by the rules by creating an unfair and illegal advantage."
By the end of the two-day outreach effort, the teams connected with several hundred residents in both communities and sent a strong deterrent message to those that might target wildfire victims.
If residents suspect they have been approached by a scam artist or need assistance with their insurance claim, contact the department's consumer services team at
800-927-4357. 
