Attorney General Ashley Moody is advising Floridians to be cautious of price gouging, disaster scams, and fraud following Hurricane Helene. The hurricane struck Florida’s Big Bend region last Thursday, causing significant damage with storm surges, strong winds, and heavy rain affecting millions. Communities have been devastated, homes destroyed, and the death toll is rising. As residents seek essential services like food, shelter, debris removal, or home repairs, the Price Gouging Hotline remains active for reporting extreme price increases and recovery-related scams.
Attorney General Moody stated: “As Floridians are recovering from Hurricane Helene, it is important to remain vigilant for scams and price gouging. Unfortunately, it is now when people are left vulnerable from a catastrophe that bad actors may swoop in to exploit Floridians with contractor fraud, debris-removal scams and more. Please make sure that all services are legitimate before signing a contract—check out our Scams at a Glance: After the Storm resource for additional tips to avoid falling victim to disaster-related scams.”
After disasters like Hurricane Helene, there is often a high demand for qualified contractors who may be booked for months. This situation can attract scammers or unqualified out-of-state workers looking to take advantage of those needing legitimate services. To avoid being scammed when hiring a contractor after property damage from the storm:
- Have an insurance company evaluate damage before arranging repairs.
- Obtain at least three written estimates on bids or repairs.
- Be cautious of unsolicited offers or discounts using leftover supplies.
- Research companies online or through references.
- Verify licenses and check for complaints at MyFloridaLicense.com.
- Ensure contractors are bonded and verified by bonding agencies.
- Read contracts thoroughly before signing and understand cancellation penalties.
- Insist on lien releases from subcontractors before final payments.
- Avoid paying the full amount upfront; research thoroughly before large deposits.
- Do not sign completion certificates or make final payments until satisfied with work.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides disaster relief through various programs but warns against scammers posing as FEMA officials. When seeking aid:
- No state or federal agency will call asking for personal information.
- Workers carry identification and will not ask for cash.
- Applications for FEMA relief are free at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1(800) 621-FEMA.
- Be wary of anyone offering to expedite applications as they may seek personal information.
Hurricanes can affect water mains and wells. To avoid scams related to water safety:
- Request identification from those claiming to inspect water systems.
- Check local media and utility providers for water safety alerts.
- Contact health departments if uncertain about water safety; follow their advice on testing.
- Boil water vigorously if in doubt or use bottled water.
For tree removal after storms:
- Beware of unsolicited offers for tree removal services.
- Get multiple written estimates including debris removal costs.
- Research companies thoroughly and verify insurance policies.
- Avoid paying the full amount upfront; do not make final payments until satisfied.
Charity scams often arise post-disaster. To avoid falling victim:
- Watch out for fake charities mimicking well-known organizations.
- Avoid high-pressure solicitations; request detailed information about the charity.
- Consider donating to established disaster-relief organizations only after verifying them through BBB Wise Giving Alliance at Give.org or CharityNavigator.org.
Suspected price gouging on essential items can be reported via the No Scam app, MyFloridaLegal.com, or by calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM. The No Scam app is available on Apple and Android devices.
Violators of the price gouging statute face civil penalties of $1,000 per violation up to $25,000 for multiple violations within 24 hours plus other applicable penalties.
For more information on avoiding storm-related scams and accessing recovery resources:
Download "Scams at a Glance: After the Storm" in English [link] or Spanish [link].
Access the 2024 Hurricane Preparedness Guide in English [link] or Spanish [link].
The Florida Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division issues Consumer Alerts about emerging scams to prevent financial losses caused by deceptive practices. Report any scam incidents via 1(866) 9NO-SCAM or MyFloridaLegal.com/ConsumerAlert.
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