Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency
Headline: Maui Wildfire Survivors Should Beware of Contractor Fraud as They Rebuild
Maui Wildfire Survivors Should Beware of Contractor Fraud as They Rebuild
LAHAINA, MAUI – Many Maui wildfire survivors are beginning to repair and rebuild their homes after the Aug
8, 2023, wildfires
FEMA encourages survivors hiring a contractor to beware of fraud
Unfortunately, it is common for fraudsters and con artists to take advantage of disasters
Survivors should question contractors and remain vigilant to ensure they are engaging with legitimate contractors
Tips to keep in mind when hiring a contractor:Do your research
Scam artists will usually come to you to offer their services — either at your door, on the phone or through email — so be especially wary of solicitors
Don’t offer personal financial information over the phone
Know who you are dealing with and always ask for identification
Get estimates from multiple contractors and your insurance company
Reject any offer that seems too good to be true
Ask for and verify references from past customers
Use the Better Business Bureau, www
bbb
org, and internet search engines
Fraudulent firms change names frequently, so search the web for their address and phone number, and include terms like “review,” “scam” and “complaint
”Use the State Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, www
businesscheck
hawaii
gov, to search for a business’s certificate of good standing, various business filings, insurance and professional/vocational licenses and renewals
Contact the Regulated Industries Complaints Office at 808-587-4272 to report unlicensed contractors
Verify insurance
Contractors should have disability and workers’ compensation insurance
If they don’t, you may be liable for accidents on your property
Make sure contractors have the proper licensing and are bonded
Ensure contractors obtain the necessary permits to do the job
Demand satisfaction
Don’t sign completion papers or make final payment until the work is done correctly
Don’t give large cash payments up-front
Be suspicious of requests or demands for more than 10-20%
Don’t wire money or use reloadable debit or gift cards
There is no legitimate reason to use this form of payment
Get agreements in writing
Read the contract carefully, and if you don’t understand every word, take it to an expert
Never sign a contract with blank spaces to be filled in
Make sure the contract details all work to be performed, the costs, the projected completion date and how to negotiate changes and settle disputes
Take a picture of your contractor, their vehicle and license plate and/or the contractor’s business card and driver’s license
Report your concerns
Potential fraud should be reported to your local law enforcement agency
You can also call the free FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 available 24-hours a day
By following these tips, survivors can avoid scams and rebuild their home as safely and quickly as possible
For the latest information on the Maui wildfire recovery efforts, visit mauicounty
gov, mauirecovers
org, fema
gov/disaster/4724 and Hawaii Wildfires – YouTube
Follow FEMA on social media: @FEMARegion9 and facebook
com/fema
You may also get disaster assistance information and download applications at sba
gov/hawaii-wildfires
# # #FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters
shannon
carley
Mon, 06/30/2025 – 19:22