In Your Corner: Free repair fraud workshop
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) and the National Center for the Prevention of Home Improvement Fraud (NCPHIF) are putting on a free forum for homeowners dealing with storm damage, fire damage and renovations.
“Unfortunately, Oklahoma is very familiar with rebuilding after a disaster,” Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak said. “Every time we have a storm or wildfire, we see these fly-by-night guys come in and take advantage of people who are already going through a very difficult time. We need to do all we can to protect Oklahoma consumers.”
The consumer protection forum will address several issues related to home repair including: how to hire a contractor, how to check out a contractor, what should be in a contract, how the building permit process works, why you need a lien release and more.
“Disaster/storm victims are especially vulnerable to contractor fraud,” Phae Howard said, a home repair fraud prevention expert and Executive Director of NCPHIF. “After a disaster hits, predatory contractors take advantage of stressed-out and uninformed homeowners, making them victims, twice.”
Free Home Repair Fraud Workshop:
10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 24
Northwest Library
5600 N.W. 122nd St.
Oklahoma City
Interested parties are encouraged to preregister by sending an email to rsvp@ncphif.org or call (855) 2-NOFRAUD.
ABOUT THE OKLAHOMA INSURANCE DEPARTMENT
The Oklahoma Insurance Department, an agency of the State of Oklahoma, is responsible for the education and protection of the insurance-buying public and for oversight of the insurance industry in the state.
About NCPHIF: The National Center for the Prevention of Home Improvement Fraud is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. NCPHIF’s mission is to inform, educate and coach homeowners on how to protect themselves from becoming victims of home repair/improvement contractor fraud and scams. – Info. from OK Insurance Dept.
