William Woolf, Director of Operations | WWoolf@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

Thomas Fabus, Jr., Director of Operations | TFabus@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

Kevin Gallagher, Director of Operations | KGallagher@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

Wes Rethwill, Director of Operations | WRethwill@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

Charlie Worsham, Director of Operations | CWorsham@NICB.org
Territory: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi
14025 Riveredge Dr., Suite 130
Tampa, FL 33637
t: 888-241-8270
f: 813-977-1525

Niambi Tillman, Director of Operations | NTillman@NICB.org
Territory: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
1560 E Southlake Blvd., Suite 100
Southlake, TX 76092
t: 817-659-3397
f: 847-544-7809

Ray Duncan, Director of Operations | RDuncan@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

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

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.

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.

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.

Start by becoming a Proud Supporter. 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 19 - 23, register for training, and download all our assets.

Review all the information available on this page and get additional information from our CFAW supporters: Insurance Information Institute, Northwest Insurance Council, Rocky Mountain Insurance Association, Florida's Insurance Consumer Advocate, Insurance Council of Texas, and the AARP.