15/04/2021
📣 Warning - Disaster Chasers About
"Disaster chasers” typically present themselves in a disaster impacted area shortly after the event occurs, but can also appear months later.
They may door knock neighbourhoods, claiming to have identified damage at your property, or in some very bold cases they may claim that they are here at the behest of your insurance company.
Avoid these scammers at all costs.
If in doubt, speak to us or your insurer before agreeing to any repairs or building work to make sure its covered.
Insurers are urging householders in NSW and southern parts of Queensland to stay alert for disaster chasers and report any suspicious activity to government authorities or police.
Top tips for identifying or dealing with a disaster chaser:
📌Insurers will not send a tradesperson or builder to your home without notifying you and providing you with details.
📌Speak to your insurer before agreeing to any repairs or rebuilding work to make sure your insurer will cover it.
📌A tradesperson or builder who is working for your insurer will not ask you for money.
📌If in doubt, ask for identification such as a builder’s licence or driver’s licence, and ring your insurer to check.
📌If you sign a contract with a disaster chaser, you have a statutory 10-day cooling-off period. Your insurer can help you end the relationship with the disaster chaser.
