Be Aware of Contractor Fraud

Spokane Wildfire Recovery: How to Avoid Contractor Scams After a Disaster

For Spokane-area residents whose homes or businesses have been damaged by the Spokane Complex Wildfires, the days and weeks ahead will bring a long list of decisions — including who to trust with cleanup, repairs and rebuilding.

Unfortunately, disasters can also attract dishonest contractors looking to take advantage of property owners who are anxious to begin repairs.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) warns that contractor fraud often increases following natural disasters, when contractors may go door-to-door in damaged neighborhoods offering immediate cleanup or repair services. Reported instances of contractor fraud nationwide increased 38% from 2023 to 2025, according to NICB.

Most contractors are reputable professionals who want to help. But taking a little extra time to verify who you’re hiring can protect you from adding another financial loss to an already difficult situation.

Before you hire a contractor, start with your insurance company

If your property was damaged by wildfire, contact your insurance company or agent before beginning permanent repairs.

Your insurer can explain your coverage, walk you through the claims process and help you understand what steps should be taken before repair or rebuilding work begins.

And remember: your contractor does not speak for your insurance company.

Talk directly with your insurer or agent about what your policy covers and what your insurance company will pay. Be cautious if a contractor discourages you from contacting your insurer, offers to “waive” your deductible, asks you to sign over insurance benefits or promises upgrades that insurance will supposedly cover at no additional cost.

7 ways to protect yourself from contractor fraud

Before signing a contract for wildfire cleanup, repairs or rebuilding:

1. Verify the contractor.
Washington requires construction contractors to be registered with the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Registered contractors also must meet bonding and insurance requirements. Use L&I’s online contractor verification tool to check a contractor’s registration status, bond, insurance and other available records.

2. Get more than one written estimate.
Compare the scope of work, materials, costs and estimated completion dates. An unusually low bid may look appealing, but it could lead to hidden costs, incomplete work or inferior materials.

3. Don't give in to high-pressure sales tactics.
Be wary of anyone insisting that you must sign immediately, that an offer is available “today only,” or that work has to begin right away.

4. Get everything in writing.
Your contract should clearly describe the work to be performed, materials, costs, payment schedule, timeline and any guarantees. Never sign a contract with blank spaces, and keep copies of contracts, receipts and communications.

5. Be cautious about upfront payments.
Don't pay for the entire project before the work is completed, and be wary of demands for large payments before work begins. Washington L&I advises homeowners not to pay in full until the job is done.

6. Be careful with unsolicited offers.
Door-to-door solicitation after a wildfire isn't automatically a sign of fraud. But don't assume someone is legitimate simply because they're already working in your neighborhood or say they can start immediately. Verify their credentials before agreeing to any work.

7. Keep your insurer involved.
Continue communicating directly with your insurance company or agent throughout the claims and rebuilding process, particularly when questions arise about coverage, estimates or repairs.

Urgency doesn't mean you have to rush

After a wildfire, wanting to begin repairs as quickly as possible is completely understandable. But a reputable contractor should be willing to give you time to ask questions, check credentials, review a written estimate and understand a contract before you sign it.

“A disaster creates urgency, but that urgency shouldn't force you into a decision that could make an already difficult situation worse,” said Kenton Brine, president of NW Insurance Council.

Taking an extra day to verify a contractor may feel frustrating when you're eager to move forward. It can also save you from weeks or months of additional financial and emotional stress.

Insurance help is available in Spokane

Spokane-area residents with wildfire damage can currently meet directly with insurance companies at the Insurance Village at the Disaster Assistance Center at Shadle Park High School, 4327 N. Ash Street in Spokane.

Insurance representatives will be available there through 6 p.m. Friday, August 14, to answer questions and begin the claims process for policyholders. The Insurance Village will move to a new location next week, which will be announced when details are available.

If you have questions about your insurance policy or need to file a wildfire claim, contact your insurance company or agent as soon as possible.

For more information about wildfires and insurance, visit the NW Insurance Council's website at www.nwinsurance.org or call (800) 664-4942.