RALEIGH, N.C. (Legal Newsline) — North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper recently warned consumers to stay vigilant about possible scams in the wake of Hurricane Matthew.
“Serious storms like Matthew can sweep in scam artists looking to take advantage of a crisis,” Cooper said in a statement. “Be extra vigilant in watching for fraud and storm scams over the next few days.”
Cooper told residents of North Carolina to report any possible fraud to local law enforcement and any possible home repair scammers, charity scams and price gouging to his office.
“The majority of North Carolina contractors, tree removal companies and car repair shops are reputable businesses, and often local merchants are the first to pitch in to help their communities recover,” Cooper said. “But some fly-by-night scammers travel to disaster areas to take advantage of consumers.”
Cooper notified businesses that North Carolina’s price gouging law bars excessive prices in 66 central and eastern counties.
“Scammers will take any opportunity to take your hard-earned money,” Cooper said. “If you think someone is using this storm to try to rip you off, let my office know right away.”