After Hurricane Florence, the North Carolina Attorney General received over 3,000 contractor fraud complaints. Families lost $47 million to storm chasers, fake roofers, and deposit thieves. But FORTIFIED homeowners? Zero reported fraud. Here's why.
The Post-Hurricane Fraud Epidemic
The Typical Scam Pattern:
- Storm hits your area
- Out-of-state trucks appear overnight
- Door-to-door "inspectors" offer free assessments
- High-pressure sales demand immediate deposits
- Work starts, then stops
- Contractor disappears with your money
- You're left with damage AND debt
Red Flags Storm Chasers Hope You'll Miss
Warning Signs
- • No local license verification
- • Cash-only demands
- • "Today only" pricing
- • No written contracts
- • Suspicious urgency
- • Claims of FEMA authorization
- • "Insurance specialist" promises
- • Material deposit requirements
- • No physical address
- • Unmarked vehicles
FORTIFIED Protection
- • Pre-verified contractor network
- • Standardized contracts
- • Fair, transparent pricing
- • Written warranties
- • Professional timeline
- • No false claims
- • Insurance expertise verified
- • No deposit requirements
- • Local business addresses
- • Branded, professional vehicles
How FORTIFIED Changes the Game
Pre-Verified Contractor Network
Every FORTIFIED contractor must:
- • Complete IBHS training and certification
- • Maintain valid NC licensing
- • Carry minimum insurance coverage
- • Pass background checks
- • Provide references from completed projects
- • Agree to standardized contracts
- • Submit to quality inspections
The Evaluator as Your Advocate
NC Fortified evaluators aren't just inspectors—we're your protection:
- • Independent verification of work quality
- • Direct communication with IBHS
- • Documentation for insurance and grants
- • Mediation if issues arise
- • Long-term relationship beyond single project
Real Fraud Stories vs. FORTIFIED Success
Fraud Victim: Jacksonville Family
Post-Hurricane Florence
"A team showed up the day after Florence, said they were from FEMA. Quoted $8,000 for temporary repairs, demanded $4,000 upfront. Took the money, did half the work, disappeared. We found them on the scammer database three weeks later."
Total Loss: $4,000 + continued damage
FORTIFIED Success: Same Storm
FORTIFIED Home, Jacksonville
"Our FORTIFIED roof had minor shingle damage. Called our evaluator, got a certified contractor referral within hours. Work completed in two days, properly documented for insurance. No fraud, no stress."
Total Cost: $800 (covered by insurance)
The FORTIFIED Difference in Numbers
Fraud Rate:
General Contractors: 40%
FORTIFIED Network: 0%
Average Overpayment:
Storm Chasers: 300%
FORTIFIED: Standard rates
Completion Rate:
Post-Storm General: 60%
FORTIFIED: 100%
How to Protect Yourself Right Now
Before the Storm:
Get FORTIFIED and establish relationships with certified contractors
After the Storm:
Contact your FORTIFIED evaluator first, use only network contractors
If You're Not FORTIFIED:
Verify licenses, demand local references, never pay large deposits
Protect Yourself from Contractor Fraud
Join the FORTIFIED network and gain access to North Carolina's most trusted contractors. No more worrying about post-storm scams.
Zero FORTIFIED homeowners have reported contractor fraud. Be part of the protected community.