Contractor fraud surging amid record storms — here’s what to watch out for

Just as suburbanites clean up after another round of powerful storms downed trees and damaged homes, a national association is warning about surging instances of contractor fraud, particularly here in Illinois.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau recently reported that cases of contractor fraud increased 38% from 2023 to 2025. Disaster-related fraud costs consumers more than $9.3 billion annually, according to the Oak Brook-based association.

Those figures come against the backdrop of a record-breaking storm season in Illinois. Already this year, the Land of Lincoln has seen a reported 192 tornadoes, smashing the previous record of 142 set in 2024.

“After destructive storms, most families and businesses want to start the recovery process as soon as possible,” NICB President and CEO David J. Glawe said in a statement last week. “This is when home and business owners must be most vigilant, as fraudsters use this opportunity to swoop in, targeting those who may be deserving of payouts from their insurance policies. Knowing the warning signs can help Illinois residents protect themselves and their property as they begin the rebuilding process.”

What are those warning signs? According to the NICB, red flags include high-pressure sales tactics through door-to-door solicitation, online messages or phone calls, contracts with blank spaces, demands for full payment before work begins, offers to waive deductibles and requests for an Assignment of Benefits agreement that transfers insurance rights to the contractor.

Here’s what you should do instead:

· If you’ve suffered storm damage, first call your insurer and make sure you understand the terms and conditions of your policies.

· When hiring a contractor, get more than one estimate, request references and research the company. Be wary of out-of-state operations and never let a contractor pressure you into a quick decision.

· Once you’ve picked a contractor, get everything in writing — from the cost and scope of the project to the work and payment schedules. Never sign a contract with blanks, and don’t pay in full until the work is done as promised.

And while it’s natural to be a little shook up and want a fast fix when there’s a hole in your roof or a swath of missing siding, don’t let emotion get in the way of smart decision making.

“These storm chasers swoop into affected areas and play on distraught victims’ shock and emotion,” said Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau. “ People are much more vulnerable dealing with this devastation than they would be under normal circumstances.”

Errant firework sparks suit

Over the next week, you’re going to hear — and, we hope, heed — lots of warnings about the dangers of launching illegal fireworks to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

But sometimes, the danger finds you.

That was the case for an Addison woman who is suing the village of Lombard and the Lombard Park District over injuries she suffered last year when a man set off an illegal firework while awaiting the village’s Fourth of July fireworks show.

The suit also names Marwan Aly, 19, of Plano as a defendant. He pleaded guilty in April to a misdemeanor reckless conduct charge, after police alleged he fired a 12-inch rocket that hit a pregnant woman in the head. Aly was sentenced to one year of court supervision and 60 hours of community service.

The lawsuit, filed last week in DuPage County Circuit Court, argues that the village and the park district didn’t provide enough security at the July 4, 2025, show held in Madison Meadow Park.

Stephanie Calvillo, Lombard’s communications and marketing coordinator, told us this week there was a “significant presence” of public-safety workers at the event.

“This was an unfortunate incident involving the unlawful actions of a third party,” Calvillo said, noting that about 18,000 people typically attend the show at the 90-plus-acre park.

“The safety and well-being of our residents and visitors remains a top priority, and the village will continue to work closely with public safety personnel to support safe and enjoyable community events,” she added.

Lombard helps bust ring

Speaking of Lombard, police in the Lilac Village got a shoutout from the Big Apple this week for their help cracking a $4.4 million, multistate jewelry theft-and-fencing case.

The Lombard Police Department was one of 12 law enforcement agencies that helped the FBI build a case against Queens, New York, jewelry store owner Salim Sakal, federal prosecutors said.

Sakal, 55, of Brooklyn, was accused of working with a Colombian organized crime ring that stole millions in jewelry in 2023 and 2024 from stores and mall kiosks up and down the East Coast and in the Midwest, including in Lombard.

Authorities said Sakal paid cash for the stolen merchandise then resold it, including to people he knew would melt down the gold.

Sakal pleaded guilty to conspiracy to sell and receive stolen goods and on Monday was sentenced to two years in federal prison. He also was ordered to pay $2.47 million in restitution.

To date, none of the stolen jewelry has been recovered, prosecutors said.

• Do you have a tip or a comment? Email us at copsandcrime@dailyherald.com.