Summer brings longer days, increased demand, and—for many businesses—a welcome boost in revenue. But it also brings heightened risk. As operations ramp up and routines change, fraudsters often see new openings to take advantage of distracted teams and seasonal vulnerabilities. At ICW Group, we encourage our policyholders to be especially vigilant during the summer months. Whether you’re managing outdoor crews, hiring temporary help, or opening up more to the public, summer can quietly introduce risks that threaten your profitability.
Below are several seasonal threats we see each year, and practical steps you can take to prevent your business from becoming a victim.
1. Heat-Related Injury Claims
In hot weather, the risk of legitimate heat-related illness increases—especially for businesses with outdoor workers. But unfortunately, we also see a spike in questionable or exaggerated workers’ compensation claims during the summer. A heat exhaustion claim, if illegitimate, can lead to unnecessary time off, medical costs, or even litigation.
What you can do:
Implement a written heat illness prevention plan that minimally addresses Water, Rest, Shade, and Training. Consider working in documented work and rest schedules and acclimatization periods. If a heat illness claim occurs, the incident report should document the weather conditions, jobsite setup, and available shade and water sources.
2. Seasonal and Temporary Employee Schemes
Summer often requires businesses to bring on temporary or seasonal workers. While nearly all are hardworking and honest, others may be less invested in the company’s wellbeing—and some may even see short-term work as an opportunity to file false injury claims or seek benefits under dubious circumstances.
What you can do:
Screen thoroughly. Even for temporary roles, verify IDs, check references, and provide safety training. Assign supervisors to monitor new workers closely, and keep accurate records of start dates, assigned tasks, and any workplace incidents. Consider including exposure created by staffing agencies or FLCs. Ensure their hiring practices are at least as stringent as your own: Verify licensing and certifications, check insurance coverages, conduct a thorough contract review, check references, train every worker regardless of experience, and document assignments with job hazard analysis and training. A good labor provider can be your best friend or worst enemy.
3. Vendor and Contractor Scams
Summer is prime time for renovations, landscaping, HVAC service, and storm-related repairs. Businesses eager to get things done quickly can fall prey to unlicensed or unethical vendors who overcharge or never deliver the promised work.
What you can do:
Vet all contractors. Ask for proof of licensing and insurance, confirm business references, and insist on a written agreement before any work begins. Avoid vendors that pressure you to pay upfront or in cash. Keep receipts and communications in case a dispute arises.
4. Fake Utility and Government Calls
During high-energy-use months, scammers may pose as utility providers, threatening to shut off service unless payment is made immediately. Others pose as regulators or state inspectors and demand “penalty fees” for alleged violations.
What you can do:
Educate your team. Train employees to direct all payment requests and inspections through a prearranged protocol. If something seems off, call the organization directly using the official number, not the one the caller provides.
5. Customer-Driven Liability Scams
As foot traffic increases in warm weather, so does the potential for questionable slip-and-fall or “injury” claims. Scammers often target busy businesses during peak hours, hoping that chaos works in their favor.
What you can do:
Keep entryways clean and dry. Inspect walkways and parking areas regularly (consider a Sweep log). If an incident occurs, document it immediately—collect written statements, witness information, take photos, and preserve any video footage.
See Something, Say Something
At ICW Group, we believe fraud prevention is a team effort. If you notice something suspicious, don’t wait. If you suspect an employee has committed workers’ compensation fraud or have questions, call the ICW Group anti-fraud hotline at 855.ICW.FRAUD (855.429.3728). All statements are confidential and available only to ICW Group’s Special Investigations Unit.
Proactive business owners don’t just reduce claims—they protect their teams, reputations, and bottom lines. As summer heats up, don’t let your defenses cool down. A few smart precautions today can prevent costly problems tomorrow.
