Residents warned of scammers during Thomas Fire recovery

As residents in Ventura County begin to pick up the pieces left in the wake of the Thomas Fire, those who lost everything are being urged to be extra diligent during the rebuilding process.

The state’s largest fire in modern history drew national and worldwide media coverage and with that attention comes scammers.

With hundreds of homes and structures destroyed or damaged, many contractors and construction companies will be hired to repair and rebuild homes. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office wants to ensure that any businesses that are hired are legitimate.

Homeowners should vet anyone they are considering hiring and should ask for written references. Residents are advised to only hire licensed and insured contractors. To check if a contractor is insured, visit the California Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board online.

Additional resources for residents can be found on the Ventura County Recovers website.