Common Pitches That Are Actually Scams
After a fire, solicitors appear quickly — sometimes before the fire department has even cleared the scene. These are the pitches you will hear most often:
"The fire department sent me to check on you."
The fire department does not send out representatives without telling you directly. If you did not receive official communication from the fire department, this person was not sent by them.
"I'm with a fire victim charity or referral service."
These are often for-profit lead generators paid to sell your contact information to contractors. They are not charities. They are paid by the contractors who want your business.
"Your insurance company sent me."
Unless you have personally spoken with your adjuster and been told to expect someone, this is a red flag. Insurers work with almost anyone — but being "sent by the insurance company" is not the endorsement it sounds like, and may not be true at all.
Rule of thumb: If you did not request help, do not sign anything and do not engage. Call your adjuster directly before allowing anyone to inspect, quote, or begin work.
Your Legal Rights as a Homeowner
California law is specific about what insurers and contractors can and cannot do after a loss:
California Code of Regulations §2695.9
Insurers cannot send or recommend a contractor unless you agree — because it is a conflict of interest. We encourage you to be self-sufficient and not dependent on choices made for you. Search "California §2695.9" to verify this on a state website →
Verify Every Contractor and Salesperson
Check contractor licenses at: CSLB.ca.gov — use the "License Check" tool to search by license number or name. This is a free, official California state resource.
Examples from Coast's Experience
These are real situations our customers have encountered:
- A salesperson offered "free marble countertops" — a clear violation of BPC §7157.
- Fire victims were asked to sign contracts by strangers claiming to be affiliated with or endorsed by their insurer. Insurers work with almost anyone — but the public thinks they need someone who is "approved," and this is not so.
- Contents inventory companies were brought in by adjusters before homeowners understood what was happening — resulting in luxury items being valued at discount-store prices and a year-long fight for fair compensation.
How to Protect Yourself
- Always ask to see a contractor license number and HIS card — take a photo of both.
- Look at company vehicles — is the license number clearly displayed? Require it.
- Visit the company's website — does it list their CSLB number?
- Call your adjuster before allowing anyone to inspect, quote, or start work.
- Get all commitments in writing before signing anything.
- A confident person at your door is not proof that they are legitimate. Scams work because the people running them are convincing.
Coast Construction is fully licensed (License No. 1075484), locally rooted since 1983, and verifiable at CSLB.ca.gov. We encourage every property owner to verify our license as a matter of good practice — the same way you should verify every contractor you consider.
Independent Policyholder Resource
United Policyholders is a nonprofit that advocates for insurance policyholders and provides free educational resources for people navigating property claims. We recommend their materials as an independent resource with no affiliation to our company.
United Policyholders — uphelp.org →