The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is warning the public to be cautious about scam artists targeting victims of recent wildfires.

Good Samaritans often help victims of wildfires and other disasters, but not everyone who offers aid does so for altruistic reasons. Known as public adjuster scams, the crimes occur when a public adjuster claims an insurer won’t pay the fair value of a property loss claim and offers to help for a percentage of the amount paid. While public adjusters are legal in California, dishonest adjusters can take advantage of people in vulnerable situations by charging exorbitant fees, stealing personal information and referring them to a unscrupulous contractor for a kickback.

The District Attorney’s Office announced that last year, a public adjuster was sentenced to seven years in prison for embezzling $400,000 from Los Angeles County fire victims by cashing insurance claim checks that were meant to help rebuild homes.

Members of the public are encouraged to contact their insurance company adjuster first and get a written estimate of the damage costs. If there is a disagreement, a public adjuster can be hired a for a second estimate.

Public adjusters must be licensed and bonded, and their license status can be verified with the California Department of Insurance by calling (800)967-9331, or visiting insurance.ca.gov/license-status.

If a public adjuster is hired, ask for a written agreement and make sure all of the adjuster’s fees are understood before it is signed. To report public adjuster scams to the DA’s Consumer Protection Division, call (213)257-2450.