Attorney General Ashley Moody has issued a warning to Floridians about potential disaster scams and price gouging in the wake of tornadoes and severe weather in Northern Florida. Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 12 counties, affecting over 180,000 residents who lost power. As recovery efforts begin, many may be seeking debris removal, essential commodities or home repairs.
Moody's Price Gouging Hotline remains active for consumers to report allegations of extreme price increases and scams related to these recovery efforts. Furthermore, there are reports of more severe weather forecasted for North Florida this week, prompting residents to stay vigilant.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Fraudsters may solicit in disaster areas to take advantage of vulnerable storm victims. Following the devastating tornadoes in North Florida and the potential for more severe weather this week, I am asking people to stay on alert for scammers offering to remove debris, fix roofs or make home repairs for cash up front. For more tips on how to avoid these types of recovery fraud, check out our Scams at a Glance: After the Storm.”
In order to protect themselves from such scams during natural disasters' aftermaths, Moody offered several tips:
- Be wary of unsolicited offers regarding tree removal.
- Thoroughly research companies and never pay the full amount upfront.
- Confirm that companies or contractors are legitimate by having an insurance company ensure their services are included.
- Be cautious about fake charities or aggressive solicitors demanding urgent donations; consider established disaster relief organizations instead.
- To combat price gouging, compare prices with other sellers in the area and keep copies of receipts, estimates or invoices.
Violations of the price gouging statute can result in civil penalties of $1,000 per violation and up to a total of $25,000 for multiple violations committed within a single 24-hour period.
For additional information about storm-related scams and recovery resources, Attorney General Moody's Scams at a Glance: Price Gouging and After the Storm brochures are available for download.