Contractor Fraud Awareness Week 2025

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In 2023, U.S. insurers paid more than $92 billion in catastrophe losses, with upwards of 10 percent or $9.2 billion lost to post-disaster fraud.  

CFAW is a week-long awareness event that brings together our Members, Industry Trade Associations, Legislators, and Law Enforcement to raise awareness with the goal of preventing consumers from falling victim to this heartbreaking and prevalent form of crime. 

Partners are invited to help raise awareness by promoting their partnership and sharing consumer tips on social media.

If you have any questions on CFAW partnership, email CFAW@nicb.org.

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Common Signs Prevention Tips Report Fraud Post-Disaster Fraud

Recognize Common Signs of Contractor Fraud
American Integrity Insurance
Testimonial

Insurance fraud is the crime we all pay for, whether through higher premiums, law enforcement expenses, and court costs. Insurance fraud is a crime!

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IASIU Logo
Testimonial

IASIU recognizes the impact Contractor Fraud has on consumers as well as insurance carriers. We support NICB's efforts to educate and inform the public so that they can better protect themselves from becoming a victim.

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CNA Insurance
Testimonial

CNA is honored to collaborate with the National Insurance Crime Bureau in the critical mission of combating contractor fraud. As a global carrier, we witness firsthand how contractor fraud not only exploits vulnerable consumers after a traumatic loss but also undermines trust in reputable contractors, many of whom are vital partners in our efforts to serve our customers effectively.

By joining forces for Contractor Fraud Awareness Week (CFAW) 2024, we aim to raise awareness about this pervasive issue and highlight the importance of vigilance in safeguarding consumers during the restoration and rebuilding process. Our partnership with the National Insurance Crime Bureau and other stakeholders underscores our commitment to shine a light on contractor fraud and implement proactive measures to mitigate its impact, ultimately fostering a more resilient and trustworthy insurance ecosystem for everyone involved. We look forward to contributing our expertise and resources to this vital cause during CFAW 2024 and beyond.

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SC Department of Insurance
Coalition Against Insurance Fraud
Georgia Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire
Testimonial

OCI-CID partners with NICB to respond to all natural disasters to combat contractor fraud of all types.

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MN Insurance Alliance
Testimonial

Our organization educates contractors and adjusters on all aspects of claims. Fraud Awareness is very important to us.

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Springtree Restoration, LLC
Testimonial

As storm restoration contractors operating in North Texas, we frequently encounter instances of contractor fraud linked to insurance claims. Regrettably, Texas lacks requirements mandating contractors to possess formal training, insurance, or licensing. The standard for contractors is so minimal that it's practically non-existent. Throughout the past 15 years, we've witnessed consumers being exploited in every major storm event we've been involved in. Frequently, contractors promise to waive the consumer's deductible, a maneuver that can only be achieved through engaging in insurance fraud and cutting corners during the restoration process. Springtree is dedicated to advancing our industry and advocating for consumer protection through both education and legislative initiatives. We take pride in aligning ourselves with the National Insurance Crime Bureau's endeavors to educate consumers across the Great State of Texas.

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Insurance Federation of North Carolina
Testimonial

The Insurance Federation of North Carolina serves as the voice for the property and casualty industry on legislative and regulatory matters and promotes consumer awareness and education.

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Polaris Forensics
FL Office of the Insurance Consumer Advocate
Kansas Department of Insurance
Insurance Council of Texas Education Foundation
Yolo County District Attorney
Testimonial

We are excited to partner with the National Insurance Crime Bureau for Contractor Fraud Awareness Week 2024. Contractor fraud not only drains valuable resources from insurance providers but also inflicts severe financial hardship on innocent victims and undermines trust in our local businesses. Combatting this deceptive crime is paramount to protecting our community and the integrity of the workers' compensation industry. By joining forces with NICB, we aim to raise awareness on fraudulent activities.

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New Hampshire Insurance Department
Sonoma County District Attorney's Office
Testimonial

The Sonoma County District Attorney's Office is committed to protecting our community members and is proud to collaborate with NICB.

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Profile Gorilla
Testimonial

We are the leading source of finding and preventing Contractor Fraud in the Property Insurance Industry. We find Contractor Fraud weekly and protect our Industry Partners and Home Owners every time we do. We have Fraud prevention best practices tied to Insurance, Licenses, Certifications, and Background Checks.

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Utah Insurance Department
Waller County Fire Marshal's Office
Testimonial

Waller County FMO investigates Insurance Fraud related to fire and arson investigations where a fraudulent claim has been made.

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Mesh
Testimonial

Mesh is the only real-time B2B verification API for Professional License Verification and Insurance Coverage. Our full-stack business identity solutions help companies verify and onboard any legitimate U.S. business, cutting out inaccuracies, friction, and non-compliance.

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Fortress Forensic Investigations
Testimonial

Contractor Fraud impacts all consumers. Conducting background checks, and determining the validity of the contractors is imperative in choosing a contractor. It also is of great benefit if they are part of the NARI network.

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PA Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority
Testimonial

The NICB is the nations leader in fighting insurance fraud. The PA Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority is proud to partner with the NICB in raising awareness of Contractor Fraud in our communities.

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Utah Division of Professional Licensing
Smart Home America

Shareable Videos

Hurricanes - 30 Second PSA
Wildfires - 30 Second PSA
Tornadoes - 30 Second PSA
Hailstorms - 30 Second PSA

State Support

Proclamations

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  • Multi-year Support
  • 2024 Supported
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2024 Support

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Arkansas

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Connecticut

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Idaho

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Louisiana

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Massachusetts

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Oklahoma

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Puerto Rico

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West Virginia

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Multi Year Support

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Georgia

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Illinois

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Maryland

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Mississippi

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New Hampshire

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North Dakota

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South Carolina

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Previously Supported

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Hawaii

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New York

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South Dakota

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Utah

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Resources

Do Your Research

NICB Fraud Resources After a Disaster

While you may not be able to stay out of the path of a natural disaster, you can equip yourself with the right information to avoid dishonest contractors lurking in the wake of that disaster.

Disaster Fraud Resources Contractor Search Checklist

NICTA On-Demand Courses

Catastrophe Fraud

This course on the identification and investigation of Catastrophe Fraud provides an overview of the indicators of this type of activity and shows the proper investigative steps to take when presented with a questionable claim involving a claim after a catastrophe.

*Registration is restricted to NICTA users.

Contractor, Vendor and Provider Fraud

Learn to spot the indicators and the various types of schemes used to defraud the insurance industry. 

*Registration is restricted to NICTA users.

Enroll Now

NICB Regional Contacts

Foreign Operations 891 Kuhn Drive, Suite 201
Chula Vista, CA 91914
t: 888-241-5021
f: 619-482-8946

Mid-Atlantic Region

William Woolf, Director of Operationswwoolf@nicb.org
Territory: D.C., Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia
53 Main St.
PO Box 1108
Warrenton, VA 20188
t: 888-241-7159

Midwest Region

Thomas Fabus, Jr., Director of Operationstfabus@nicb.org
Territory: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin
1515 W. 22nd St., Ste. 1300W
Oak Brook, IL 60523
t: 800-447-6282, ext. 7300
f: 847-544-7648

Northeast Region

Kevin Gallagher, Director of Operationskgallagher@nicb.org
Territory: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont
145 Pinelawn Road, Suite 330 South
Melville, NY 11747
t: 888-241-8280 or 631-694-9201
f: 631-694-9236

Northwest Region

Wes Rethwill, Director of Operationswrethwill@nicb.org
Territory: Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
3560 Bridgeport Way W, Suite 1D-9
University Place, WA 98466
t: 847-544-7901
f: 847-544-7909
Southeast Region Charlie Worsham, Director of Operationscworsham@nicb.org
Territory: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi
14025 Riveredge Dr., Suite 130
Tampa, FL 33637
t: 888-241-8270
f: 813-977-1525
Southwest Region Niambi Tillman, Director of Operationsntillman@nicb.org
Territory: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
1560 E Southlake Blvd., Suite 100
Southlake, TX 76092
t: 817-659-3397
f: 847-544-7212
West Region Ray Duncan, Director of Operationsrduncan@nicb.org
Territory: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada
Northern, Central and portions of Southern California
2001 Financial Way, Suite 100
Glendora, CA 91741
t: 602-828-7793

State Resources

The more information you have to make a decision, the stronger it will be. The NICB encourages you to do your research before accepting offers for contractor services. If you need a contractor, it's important to use the resources available to you

View resources for the states below.

State Insurance Department Contractor Licensing Lookup
Alabama Department of Insurance State of Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board
Alaska Division of Insurance Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing
Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions Arizona Registrar of Contractors
Arkansas Insurance Department Arkansas State Government
California California Department of Insurance Contractors State License Board
Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies Secretary of State, Business Database Search
Connecticut Insurance Department Secretary of State, Business Records Search
Delaware Department of Insurance Department of Revenue
District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities, & Banking Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection
Florida Office of Insurance Regulation Florida Department of Business and Professional
Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Secretary of State, Licensing
Guam   Contractors Licensing Board
Hawaii Insurance Contractor License Board
Idaho Department of Insurance Division of Building Safety
Illinois Department of Insurance Department of Financial & Professional Regulation
Indiana Department of Insurance Indiana Government
Iowa Insurance Division WorkForce Development
Kansas Insurance Department Consumer Protection Division
Kentucky Department of Insurance Secretary of State
Louisiana Department of Insurance Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors
Maine Bureau of Insurance Department of the Secretary of State
Maryland Insurance Administration Department of Labor
Massachusetts Division of Insurance Board of Building Regulations and Standards
Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services Bureau of Professional Licensing
Minnesota Commerce Department Department of Labor and Industry
Mississippi Insurance Department MS State Board of Contractors
Missouri Department of Insurance Secretary of State, Business Registration
Montana Office of the Montana State Auditor, Insurance Department of Labor & Industry
Nebraska Department of Insurance Department of Labor
Nevada Department of Insurance State Contractors Board
New Jersey Department of Banking & Insurance Division of Consumer Affairs
New Mexico Office of Superintendent of Insurance Regulation & Licensing Department
New York Department of Financial Services Department of State, Division of Corporations
North Carolina Department of Insurance Licensing Board for General Contractors
North Dakota Insurance Department Secretary of State
Northern Mariana Islands   Board of Professional Licensing
Ohio Department of Insurance Deparment of Commerce
Oklahoma Insurance Department Construction Industries Board
Oregon Department of Consumer & Business Services Oregon Construction Contractors Board
Pennsylvania Insurance Department Home Improvement Contractor Registration
Puerto Rico Office of the Insurance Commissioner Department of State
Rhode Island Insurance Division Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board
South Carolina Department of Insurance Labor Licensing Regulation
South Dakota Division of Insurance Secretary of State, Business Information Search
Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance Department of Commerce & Insurance, Contractors & Home Improvement
Texas Department of Insurance Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Utah Insurance Department Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
Vermont Department of Financial Regulation Office of Professional Regulation
Virginia State Corporation Commission Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner Washington Department of Labor and Industries
Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance Department of Safety and Professional Services
West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner Division of Labor
Wyoming Department of Insurance Secretary of State
U.S. Virginia Islands Division of Banking, Insurance & Financial Regulation Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs

FAQs

Common Questions

Question Answer
What is Contractor Fraud Awareness Week?  Contractor Fraud Awareness Week is a public awareness program developed by the National Insurance Crime Bureau to highlight the problem of contractors and vendors that take advantage of disaster victims in the aftermath of catastrophes.
How do contractors and vendors take advantage of catastrophe victims? 

Following a wildfire, hurricane or tornado, victims are stressed and at their most vulnerable. This is the opportune time for deceitful contractors try to take advantage of homeowners by offering quick solutions to get their homes and lives back in order. Believing they are the answer, homeowners are pressured to sign a contract -- a contract that may cost them and their insurer thousands of dollars and may not even result in the repairs expected.

What can catastrophe victims do to prevent falling to one of these scammers?

By being informed and prepared before a disaster ever strikes, homeowners will be more immune to the promises and schemes of fraudulent contractors and vendors.  

Prior to a disaster, homeowners should make sure they understand their insurance protection and assure all policies are paid and up to date. Insurance companies are the first line of defense against fraud. They can build a list of reputable contractors in their area and look up their contractor license, reviews, and Better Business Bureau (BBB) information. By documenting that information and storing it in an accessible place – like email or with a family member, they will be prepared to contact those contractors immediately following a disaster and be prepared to start the recovery process.   

After a disaster, they should be skeptical of unsolicited help from a contractor. If a contractor claims to be approved by FEMA or the government, that’s a red flag because FEMA doesn’t approve contractors. Those who have that pre-vetted list of contractors should access that and verify the information. Others should start that process of checking licenses, reviews, and BBB information. Don’t be pressured into signing anything, and work with your insurance company to assure all repairs are covered by your policy.  

Download NICB’s Post-Disaster Contractor Search Checklist to document the process.

How can I participate in Contractor Fraud Awareness Week?  Start by becoming a Proud Partner. Add your voice and support to the messaging by posting and sharing content with your customers and social media communities. Share your experience. Identify customers who can share their stories to keep others from falling victim. Check all the events scheduled for May 20-24, register for training, and download all our assets.
Where can I go to get more information about Contractor Fraud Awareness Week and what I can do to avoid fraud?  Review all the information available on this page and get additional information from our CFAW partners: Insurance Information Institute, Northwest Insurance Council, Rocky Mountain Insurance Association, Florida's Insurance Consumer Advocate, Insurance Council of Texas, and the AARP.