Attorney General Chris Carr has issued a warning to Georgians to remain vigilant against home repair fraud, charity fraud, imposter scams, and price gouging as the state recovers from Hurricane Helene.
“As we pray for the families of those who lost their lives and all Georgians affected by Hurricane Helene, our Consumer Protection Division continues to actively monitor reports of potential home repair fraud and other storm-related scams,” said Carr. “By doing research on a company or contractor, you can help to prevent one tragedy from leading to another. We won’t allow criminals to prey on families or business owners when they’re at their most vulnerable, and we stand ready to assist those who think they have encountered a scam.”
Carr explained that after severe storms cause damage, criminals may try to exploit the situation by asking for up-front payments for repairs and then disappearing without completing the work. They may also charge high prices for tree removal or perform substandard work. Some scammers offer to cover insurance deductibles in exchange for fake reports, potentially implicating homeowners in insurance fraud.
The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division provided several tips for avoiding such scams:
- Avoid contractors who ask for full payment up-front or only accept cash.
- Be wary of door-to-door offers; instead, seek referrals from friends and neighbors.
- Be skeptical of contractors offering no-cost incentives like covering your insurance deductible.
- Check references and verify licenses with relevant authorities such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and professional organizations like the International Society of Arboriculture and the Society of Cleaning and Restoration Technicians.
Legitimate contractors should provide a business license, general liability insurance, workers compensation insurance, written manufacturer warranties, and written labor warranties. Public adjusters must be licensed by Georgia’s Insurance Commissioner’s Office.
Regarding charity fraud, Carr noted that scammers often pose as reputable charities during disasters. He advised verifying charities through websites like give.org or charitynavigator.org before donating.
On September 24, 2024, Governor Brian Kemp declared a State of Emergency in Georgia due to Tropical Storm Helene. This declaration includes price gouging protections for essential goods until October 2, 2024.
Imposter scams are another concern. Scammers may pose as representatives from FEMA or SBA and ask for personal information or payment. Carr reminded residents that services from these agencies are free.
For reporting scams or price gouging incidents:
- Contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 404-651-8600 or 1-800-869-1123 (toll-free in Georgia).
- Report insurance fraud with roofers or other contractors at 404-656-2070 or 1-800-656-2298.
Additional resources include FEMA’s Disaster Fraud page and SBA’s Scams & Fraud page. The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency also offers storm preparedness tips.