When hail pounded the Phoenix Valley on Wednesday, the damage was obvious – dented cars, cracked roofs and shattered windows. But the real danger may be invisible, lurking on the same streets as residents assess the destruction.

Scammers move in fast after storms

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), a wave of dishonest operators – often described as “storm chasers” – descend on neighborhoods that have just suffered hail damage. These individuals typically pose as roofers, insurance adjusters or even customer‑service representatives, and they begin door‑to‑door solicitations within hours of the storm.

“We call them in our office ‘storm chasers,'” said Ray Johnson of Ray Johnson Insurance. “They’ll flock to a neighborhood that just had hail damage and start knocking on doors, making all sorts of promises about free inspections or immediate repairs.”

How the schemes work

The NICB’s supervisory special agent Doreen Sanchez explained that many of these fraudsters use a tactic called an “assignment of benefits.” Homeowners are asked to sign a blank document, believing it authorizes the contractor to handle the insurance claim. In reality, the signed paper transfers the homeowner’s rights to the contractor, allowing the fraudster to file inflated claims, take advance payments, or even abandon the job after receiving money.

“Often they post advertisements on job sites like Indeed, claiming they need customer‑service representatives,” Sanchez added. “They then hire those people to go door‑to‑door, offering cash incentives for getting a homeowner to sign the paperwork.”

Phone scams add another layer

Not all of the deceit is face‑to‑face. Some scammers call homeowners, posing as insurance adjusters or repair specialists, and pressure victims into signing contracts before they have a chance to review the details. The NICB urges residents to verify any caller’s credentials before providing personal information or signing documents.

What homeowners should do

Experts recommend the following steps to protect yourself after a hail event:

• Contact your insurance company directly using the phone number on your policy, not a number provided by a stranger.
• Schedule a professional inspection with a reputable, licensed contractor. Many reputable roofers and auto body shops, including State Farm‑affiliated locations, offer free estimates.
• Make sure you have comprehensive coverage on your auto policy if you need vehicle repairs; without it, hail damage may not be covered.
• Do not sign any documents until you fully understand their contents. If a contractor asks you to sign a blank form, refuse.
• Report suspicious activity to the NICB or your local law‑enforcement agency.

Why prompt action matters

Both the AAA and the NICB warn that hail damage can worsen over time, especially if a roof is left unrepaired. Delaying legitimate repairs can lead to leaks, mold growth and further structural damage, which in turn can increase the cost of a legitimate insurance claim.

By staying vigilant and following these precautions, Phoenix residents can avoid falling prey to fraudsters and ensure that their homes and vehicles are restored safely and legally.

Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.