Momentum - Business to Business Online Magazine September 2017 | Page 33

FTC Warns Hurricane Victims About
Flood Insurance Robocall Scam
The Federal Trade Commission is warning consumers about a flood insurance scam targeting those that have been affected
by Hurricane Harvey. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), homeowners and renters are
getting fraudulent robocalls telling them their flood premiums are past due.
Don’t respond to these robocalls.
If you have flood insurance and you’re not sure what to do, read this FTC blog post: Hurricane Harvey scams: Callers lie
about flood insurance.
If you suspect fraud, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline toll free at 1-866-720-5721. Also report it to the FTC. Your reports
help the FTC and other law enforcement agencies bring scam artists to justice and put an end to unfair and misleading
business prac tices.
For information about how to help victims, and for dealing with and recovering from the storm, read FTC Advice for
Helping Hurricane Harvey Victims.
The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more
about consumer topics and file a consumer complaint online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357). 
MEDIA CONTACT:
Office of Public Affairs, 202-326-2180
Tips For Those Affected by Hurricane Harvey
PLEASE DO WHAT IS NECESSARY TO PROTECT
YOURSELF AND YOUR LOVED ONES. 
We care about you! Please remember that safety must
come first. We can repair or replace property but no one
can turn back the clock after an injury.
PLEASE DO WHATEVER YOU REASONABLY CAN DO
TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY FROM DAMAGE OR TO
MITIGATE ANY DAMAGE THAT OCCURS. (For example,
if your roof is damaged, have a tarp placed over the
damaged roof to limit water intrusion into your home.)
Nearly all insurance policies require that the policyholder
take all reasonable steps to minimize their loss.
CALL US FIRST – Don’t become a victim of Assignment of
Benefits fraud and abuse. Call your insurance carrier as
soon as you become aware of a possible loss. Some
repair companies may try to convince you to sign an
Assignment of Benefits (AOB) and begin repairs before
calling us. An AOB is a contract between you and a third
party – typically a contractor, roofer, or water mitigation
company – giving them the right to deal directly with your
insurance company and to receive payment for your
claim. In some instances, this could result in a loss of
coverage, leaving you holding the bill. Never sign
anything related to a possible loss without first calling us
or your agent. Calling your insurance carrier as soon as
you become aware of or suspect any damage puts you in
control of your claim and ensures repairs are completed
to your satisfaction and our high quality standards.
By: Jan Laman
Harbour Insurance Services, Inc
SAVE ALL RECEIPTS AND TAKE PICTURES if you are safely
able to do so. You can provide these to your adjuster.
IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO LIVE IN YOUR HOME DUE TO
DAMAGE  caused by Hurricane Harvey, you can make
temporary arrangements in your area or you can contact one
of the following vendors for assistance:
Temporary Housing Solutions: 866-687-1732
Temporary Housing Directory: 800-817-3220
CRS Temporary Housing: 800-968-0848
Temporary Accommodations: 800-548-5196
Assured Relocation: 888-670-9700
WHEN TO EXPECT CONTACT
Please keep in mind that due to the high volume of calls and
number of customers needing assistance, you may not
receive an immediate response from an adjuster. At the
same time, we appreciate that customers with the most
significant damage need the most urgent handling.
Therefore, as we receive claims, we are working diligently to
review each one and contact customers with the greatest
impact first. These claims will be addressed immediately.
Typically, a representative will contact customers within the
first 24 hours after a claim is reported and, in all cases, we try
to ensure that customers are contacted within at 72 hours.
MOMENTUM / August 2017
32