Travelers Urges Homeowners to Protect Against Contractor Fraud as Storm Season Approaches

HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In recognition of Contractor Fraud Awareness Week (May 18-22), The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) is providing guidance to help homeowners protect themselves from potential fraud when recovering from a storm.

“In the aftermath of a storm, the desire to return to normalcy can drive homeowners toward rushed decisions about which contractors to trust,” said Pranay Mittal, Vice President of Travelers Investigative Services. “Knowing how to identify fraudulent behavior isn’t just helpful – it can mean the difference between a seamless recovery and an expensive mistake.”

Travelers Investigative Services brings deep expertise to the fight against insurance fraud, delivering exceptional support to customers at every stage of the claim process. By partnering with leading industry organizations – including the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) and the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud – Travelers continuously advances its fraud detection capabilities and stays ahead of evolving schemes.

“Fraudulent contractors act as business enterprises, using high-pressure sales tactics and promising quick fixes to take advantage of people in their most vulnerable state,” said David J. Glawe, President and Chief Executive Officer of the NICB. “The financial toll of contractor fraud extends far beyond the homeowner who gets scammed. These crimes also inflate costs for every policyholder. Awareness is the key to protecting homeowners from falling victim to fraud.”

To help protect against contractor fraud, Travelers recommends that property owners:

• Contact insurers or independent agents to review policies. Before signing any contract or agreement, engage your insurance carrier or agent. They can explain your coverage options and help ensure you don’t unknowingly waive your rights. Many insurers, including Travelers, maintain networks of pre-vetted contractors they can recommend.
• Insist on a written contract. This is a standard industry practice, so be wary of any contractor who pressures you to skip this step.
• Never pay in full upfront. Large advance payments are a hallmark of fraudulent contractors. A reasonable deposit may be appropriate, but full payment should only follow completed, verified work.
• Watch for red flags. High-pressure sales tactics, vague answers, reluctance to provide references and allegations of government endorsement are all warning signs.
• Research contractors before they’re needed. Check licenses, look up reviews and consult the Better Business Bureau before hiring anyone. Create a list of insured and well-reviewed local contractors and keep their contact information accessible.

For additional guidance on identifying and avoiding fraudulent contractors, visit Travelers’ vendor tool kit and contractor hiring checklist.

About Travelers
The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) is a leading provider of property casualty insurance for auto, home and business. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Travelers has more than 30,000 employees and generated revenues of nearly $49 billion in 2025. For more information, visit Travelers.com.