By JOHN ASBURY
The Press-Enterprise
State officials warned of potential scams as residents prepare to rebuild after another round of wildfire swept through the region and pledged state support.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Sunday toured areas that were damaged by the Triangle Complex Fire burning in Riverside, Orange, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties.
He said the state would be there for residents who lost their homes.
"We'll help them rebuild," Schwarzenegger said. "The key thing to remember is they're not by themselves, and we will help them quickly recover."
California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner said that families who lost their homes should contact their insurance companies to begin the road to recovery.
He also said families who have been evacuated can be reimbursed for staying in hotel rooms.
Poizner warned fire victims to be aware of scam artists who might try to defraud homeowners out of their insurance money.
He said his agency would work undercover in the coming days to stop such fraudulent activity.
Poizner said residents should record their belongings with video or photos and keep that at a separate location to have it ready for their insurance companies.
Anyone who encounters difficulty in resolving an insurance loss should call the state office at 1-800-927-HELP (4357), he said.
"Aside from losing a family member, nothing is worse than losing home and property," Poizner said.
Published: Monday, November 17, 2008