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Member, Beacon International Group, Ltd.
While “storm chasers” historically have followed severe thunderstorms with the hopes of spotting tornadoes, some are hunting down gullible homeowners, trying to capitalize on invisible storm damage.
Two men were charged with faking hail damage on homes throughout Lehigh County, Pa., in order to collect from homeowners’ property insurers.
More than 100 affected homeowners said they were duped by the men who called on them after storms, offering to do the repair work, which would be paid by their insurance companies. The men also told the homeowners they would cover their deductible if they placed a sign advertising their business in their front yards.
The Lehigh County Auto Theft and Insurance Fraud Task Force said it had received numerous complaints from homeowners, insurance companies and other contractors since April 2009 about the shady solicitations.
To catch the perpetrators, investigators conducted surveillance at homes in Lower Macungie and Salisbury townships, where the men were seen using a screwdriver handle wrapped in duct tape and their bare knuckles to replicate hail damage.
Further investigation determined that one of the men had perpetrated a similar scam in New Jersey.
Last week, Dominik Sandowski pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit insurance fraud, and Lehigh County Judge Douglas G. Reichley sentenced him to four years’ probation. In addition, he was ordered to pay a $2,000 fine and $14,500 in restitution.
Meanwhile, Marcin Porzkowski failed to show up for a preliminary hearing after his arrest and remains at large, according to authorities.
A Los Angeles judge brought a group of actors a step closer to “Happy Days” on Tuesday by refusing to throw out their suit seeking a share of TV show merchandising money they say they never received.