Identity Fraud Protection
Identity Theft Protection Tips to Use after a Natural Disaster
Avoid becoming a victim of identity theft after a natural disaster with some helpful tips. For many people, it’s the season to start worrying about natural disasters, including tornados and hurricanes. For others, their natural disaster season, the time when the risk for natural disaster is at its greatest, will start up soon. Identity fraud after a storm is becoming an increasing risk for families affected by a natural disaster. There’s no reason why anyone should be a victim twice. Tips to keep families safe from identity theft after a natural disaster include learning more about the catastrophe claims process and verifying the identification of visiting claims adjusters.
Getting Claims Help after a Natural Disaster
Getting help from a claims department at an insurance company after a natural disaster can be tedious, if not downright difficult. Insurance companies utilize staff from their claims departments for their CAT, or catastrophe, teams. These claims adjusters go all over in the wake of a natural disaster, providing help to insurance customers who suffered a loss. Although it’s difficult to do, the hardworking claims teams try to prioritize the customers in need, helping those who lost their homes or suffered major structural damage first before going on to help others who have less invasive homeowners’ insurance claims. Although the business model makes perfect sense, it can be stressful for people who have smaller claims. Combine the stress of waiting for claims help after a natural disaster with the general fear and anxiety that comes from surviving a catastrophe and the stage has been set for a very dangerous type of predator: identity thieves.
Identity Theft Protection Tips after a Natural Disaster
It’s important to be aware of the risk of identity theft after a disaster. Once the storm or other natural disaster has passed, claims adjusters from CAT teams will go door to door, basically, talking to insurance company customers in person about their loss. This is when identity fraud criminals make their move, posing as claims adjusters and visiting with homeowners who have experienced a loss due to a natural disaster. People who have lived through a natural disaster should be wary of people who show up asking about their insurance claim. Insurance company claims staff that help people after a natural disaster will always have proper identification on their person. If a homeowner still felt suspicious after reviewing ID, there’s a simple way to determine if the person at their door is who they say they are. Calling the insurance company and speaking to a claims representative can quickly clear up any misconceptions and help homeowners avoid identity fraud.
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