Podcast Summary: How to Avoid Scammers After a Natural Disaster

Podcast: The Indicator from Planet Money (NPR)
Air Date: November 19, 2025
Host: Waylon Wong
Guest: Naveena Sadasivam (Grist reporter), Niambi Tillman (National Insurance Crime Bureau), Homeowner Craig Crosby

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on the rise of contractor scams that target people recovering from natural disasters. Host Waylon Wong and guest reporter Naveena Sadasivam delve into how scam artists exploit vulnerable homeowners, turning tragedy into further financial and legal crises. Through the story of fire victim Craig Crosby and expert insights from Niambi Tillman, the episode guides listeners on red flags to watch for and steps to protect themselves from post-disaster fraud.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Disaster Economy and Scams (00:11–01:18)

• The 'Disaster Economy': Naveena Sadasivam describes her reporting beat as exploring the economic systems that emerge in the wake of disasters, including scams:
  • “When people lose their homes to natural disasters, they're really desperate to rebuild. And that's often when scammers strike.” (Naveena Sadasivam, 00:48)
• Magnitude of the Problem: ~$183 billion in infrastructure losses from weather disasters in 2020 alone. An estimated 10% of post-disaster spending is lost to fraudulent activity every year.

2. Craig Crosby’s Story: A Cautionary Tale (01:36–05:26)

• The Disaster: Craig Crosby, a Camarillo, CA resident, lost his home and avocado orchard to the 2024 Mountain Fire.
  • “We've now approached over $500,000 in damages…Even the swimming pool was burned.” (Craig Crosby, 02:27)
• The Pitch: Salespeople from "One Silver Serve" (a Servpro franchise) arrive quickly, offering urgent help. Craig, savvy about scams, insists on contract modifications—limiting work to inspection and requiring insurance company payment approval.
  • “They gave their presentation that we're here to help regardless… We're happy to give advice and do whatever we can…” (Craig Crosby, 02:57)
• The Nightmare: Despite setting restrictions, crews begin major remediation without explicit insurance approval. Craig trusts their reassurances that “the insurance had approved the work.”
• The Unraveling: Later, Craig learns from his insurance that (a) the work was never authorized, and (b) the franchise is blacklisted.
• The Fallout: He receives a $62,000 bill, which he refuses. In retaliation, the company files a mechanics lien and sues for nonpayment.
  • “The first thing that came to my mind is, what type of business are these people really running? What operation? What is their ethics, their business practices?” (Craig Crosby, 05:26)

3. Scammer Tactics and Realities (05:35–07:10)

• Tactics: Scammers target entire neighborhoods—widespread pattern of inflated bills and lawsuits. One neighbor received a bill over $100,000.
  • “They just went up and down the block and got as many homeowners as they could.” (Waylon Wong, 06:08)
• Limits of Legal Protections: Mechanics liens are legitimate tools but can be weaponized to pressure disaster victims.

4. Expert Advice on Avoiding Scams (06:28–08:25)

• Why Scams Flourish: Niambi Tillman, National Insurance Crime Bureau, explains post-disaster vulnerability:
  • “Scammers often thrive after disasters because the usual safeguards may not be present…there may be a shortage of qualified contractors.” (Niambi Tillman, 06:45)
  • “For the majority of us, we think the best of people…others do not necessarily have our best interests at heart.” (07:00)
• Ripple Effects: Fraud increases insurance premiums, reduces coverage availability, and impacts whole communities.

Practical Steps for Homeowners

• Get Multiple Bids: Always request at least three and scrutinize written estimates for detail.
• Verify All Communications: Double-check contractor credentials, approvals, and insurance company authorizations.
  • “Nefarious actors will often create websites or email addresses that look very close to what people are expecting…” (Waylon Wong, 07:42)
• Check Contractor Insurance Approval: Always ensure the contractor is recognized and approved by your insurance provider.
• Use the Rescission Window: Contracts signed during door-to-door sales in many states can be canceled within 3–7 days.
  • “Do not succumb to the pressure…If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.” (Niambi Tillman, 08:13)
• Neighborhood Preparedness: Work with neighbors to identify and vet reputable contractors before disaster strikes.

5. Resolution and Ongoing Issues (08:33–08:58)

• Craig's Update: After media coverage, One Silver Serve rescinded their lien and dropped the lawsuit, but Craig is still seeking damages in court. Many neighbors continue to fight similar legal battles.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Craig Crosby, on the overwhelming scale of damages:
  “We've now approached over $500,000 in damages… Even the swimming pool was burned.” (02:27)
• Craig Crosby, on trusting a reputable brand:
  “Because of their advertising and media blitzes, [I] felt some credibility. …I'd also kind of done my due diligence.” (03:58)
• Niambi Tillman, on human vulnerability:
  “For the majority of us, we think the best of people and we want to believe that people are there to help us. We underestimate, unfortunately, that others do not necessarily have our best interests at heart.” (07:00)
• Niambi Tillman, on resisting door-to-door pressure:
  “The old adage of if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is applies here as well when we're talking about dealing with the contractors.” (08:13)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:11–01:18: Introduction to the disaster economy and scale of fraud
• 01:36–05:26: Craig Crosby’s fire, contractor encounter, and subsequent legal trouble
• 06:28–08:25: Expert advice from Niambi Tillman and practical anti-scam strategies
• 08:33–08:58: Updates on Craig’s case and the situation in his neighborhood

Tone and Language

The episode maintains a factual and empathetic tone, blending storytelling (Craig’s ordeal) with actionable advice and critical insights from subject matter experts. The language is direct, accessible, and urgent—reflecting the seriousness of post-disaster exploitation.

This summary provides an in-depth look at the exploitation risks after natural disasters, real-world consequences for victims, and expert strategies everyone should know to protect themselves in times of crisis.