09/06/2026
PUBLIC WARNING
Fire & Disaster Restoration Solicitation Fraud
Issued by: West Milford Fire Marshals Office
The West Milford Fire Marshals Office is issuing a public warning regarding a recent increase in reports of fire and disaster restoration companies arriving at fire scenes and other emergency incidents shortly after an incident occurs.
Property owners and fire victims should be aware that some individuals may attempt to identify themselves as “Fire Victim Assistance,” “Emergency Assistance,” or similar services in an effort to gain access to the incident area and establish contact with victims.
In some cases, these individuals may then attempt to persuade distressed property owners or occupants to immediately sign contracts, assignments of benefits, authorizations, or other paperwork for emergency cleanup, restoration, demolition, or other services.
PROTECT YOURSELF
Following a fire, flood, storm, or other disaster:
• Do not feel pressured to immediately hire a restoration company.
• Do not sign contracts or other paperwork while you are under stress or at the scene of the emergency.
• Ask anyone offering services to clearly identify themselves, the company they represent, and the services they are offering.
• Ask for a written estimate and complete copy of any contract before signing anything.
• Be particularly cautious of documents described as an “authorization,” “assignment,” “work authorization,” “direction to pay,” or similar agreement.
• Do not provide insurance information, policy information, banking information, or other personal information until you have independently verified who you are dealing with.
• Contact your insurance company or insurance agent before authorizing major restoration or remediation work whenever possible.
• Verify that the company is properly licensed, registered, and insured as required for the work being proposed.
• If someone claims they have been sent by your insurance company, municipality, fire department, or another government agency, independently contact that agency using a telephone number you know to be legitimate.
BE AWARE OF SCENE ACCESS
The presence of a restoration company at an emergency scene does not necessarily mean that the company has been requested, authorized, or endorsed by the fire department, Fire Marshal’s Office, municipality, insurance company, or other government agency.
Fire department and fire investigation personnel may restrict access to an incident scene for fire suppression, investigation, safety, evidence preservation, and other legitimate reasons.
Members of the public should not assume that an individual who is permitted near an incident scene is a representative of the fire department, municipality, insurance company, or government.
DO NOT MAKE IMPORTANT DECISIONS UNDER PRESSURE
Fire victims are often dealing with shock, displacement, property loss, and significant emotional stress. Reputable restoration professionals should understand this and allow property owners reasonable time to understand what they are signing.
If someone is aggressively pressuring you to sign paperwork immediately, claiming that you will lose insurance coverage if you do not sign, or making representations about being affiliated with a government agency or your insurance company that you cannot independently verify, exercise extreme caution.
REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY
If you believe someone has misrepresented themselves, improperly entered an emergency scene, attempted to obtain access to a fire victim through deception, or pressured you into signing restoration documents through misleading or fraudulent representations, report the matter to the appropriate authorities and your insurance company.
Residents should also retain copies of all contracts, estimates, business cards, correspondence, text messages, emails, photographs, and other documentation associated with the company or individual.
The West Milford Fire Marshals Office does not endorse or recommend any particular private fire, water, or disaster restoration company.
REMEMBER:
You have experienced an emergency. You do not have to make a major financial decision immediately.
STOP. VERIFY. READ. ASK QUESTIONS. THEN SIGN.
If you are uncertain about who is requesting access to your property or asking you to sign documents following a fire or other emergency, contact the West Milford Fire Marshals Office or your insurance company before signing anything. If you feel you are being harassed you can contact the West Milford Police Department.
