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Officials Offer Advice For Dealing With Insurance Adjusters

By David Madden

CAMDEN, N.J. (CBS) --- After an incident in late June where a pair of insurance adjusters got into a fist fight at the site of a house fire in Pennsauken, the warning is going out to beware of offers to help from people who may be looking to rip you off.

Camden County freeholder director Lou Cappelli offers some advice about dealing with insurance adjusters that anyone can use, if they've been the victim of a fire.

"We just want to make sure that our residents are aware of certain rules and regulations regarding adjusters," he said.

Rule one is to leave a victim alone for at least a day after the fire. Some adjusters really do listen to fire radios to be there as a homeowner is confronted with the disaster, and emotions tend to be raw.

Some, but certainly not all. If an adjuster contacts you, check them out thoroughly and deal with your insurance company before making any decisions.

"There are very reputable and helpful adjusters out there, but just like any other consumer product or service, residents should research the potential adjuster who might be used," Cappelli said.

Contact a consumer protection office on the state or local level if you have any questions or concerns.

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