SACRAMENTO – Thousands of wildfire survivors face a long road recovering from the devastating fires that have destroyed or damaged at least a thousand homes in Northern California.

Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones urges wildfire survivors to be aware about the dangers of hiring unlicensed contractors as they begin the recovery process and to be on the lookout for scam artists trolling the area.

"A wildfire leaves more than burned homes and uprooted lives in its wake," said Jones. "These catastrophes also can blow in fly-by-night unlicensed contractors and door-to-door scam artists eager to capitalize on the misfortunes of innocent and traumatized wildfire survivors."

The most common fraud schemes that occur in the aftermath of a disaster generally involve price gouging, offers of debris removal, and fraudulent charitable solicitations.

Because property loss from a disaster can be so traumatic, victims of disaster can become easy targets for fraud. It is important to keep a sharp lookout for people who try to play on the emotions of those stricken by disaster.

Public adjusters are prohibited from soliciting business until seven days have elapsed since the conclusion of a disaster unless the public adjuster is contacted directly by the insureds or the insured's representative.

Consumers that have any difficulty with their insurer or concerns about a potential scam artist are urged to contact the Department of Insurance's Consumer Hotline at 800-927-4357.

Tips from the Contractor's State License Board (CSLB) for hiring a contractor:

– Don't rush into repairs, no matter how badly they're needed;
– Don't hire the first contractor who comes along, or sign over any payment checks from your insurance company;
– Hire only licensed contractors and ask to see their plastic CSLB pocket license and a photo ID;
– Get bids from at least three licensed contractors, and don't necessarily take the lowest bid, especially if it's much lower than other bids;
– Always check the license number on CSLB's website at www.cslb.ca.gov or www.CheckTheLicenseFirst.com , and contact the business directly if you have any questions;
– Get three references from each bidder, and view their previous work in-person;
– Get your contract in writing;
– In most cases, in a disaster area you have up to seven business days to cancel your contract without penalty;
– Get more tips at www.cslb.ca.gov or www.CheckTheLicenseFirst.com.

Tips for hiring a public adjuster:

– Consider trying to settle your claim directly with your insurance company before hiring a public adjuster or an attorney. Your insurer provides an adjuster at no charge to you.
– Ask your insurance agent or company representative to help you with your claim and don't be afraid to ask questions.
– If you hire a public adjuster to help you with a claim, make sure they are licensed. You can check their license status by calling our toll-free consumer hotline or checking the department's Web site.
– Public adjusters usually require a percentage of the claim settlement for their services. Make sure you understand what they charge and the services you are paying for before you sign a contract.
– Public adjusters are not allowed to solicit business or initiate any contact with a policyholder between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 a.m.