Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody is warning state residents to be cautious of price gouging, disaster scams and fraud in the aftermath of Hurricane Debby.
Hurricane Debby affected millions of Floridians, bringing catastrophic storm surge along Florida’s Gulf Coast while making landfall in the Big Bend region early Monday early on August 5. These Floridians may now be seeking food, shelter, debris removal or home repairs.
Moody’s Price Gouging Hotline remains activated for consumers to report allegations of extreme price increases, as well as scams related to the ongoing recovery efforts.
Moody
| File photo
“As the recovery process for Hurricane Debby begins, it is important to remain vigilant for scams and price gouging,” Moody said. “Bad actors may try to take advantage of Floridians recovering from the storm with disaster-related scams, such as contractor fraud and debris-removal scams. Floridians, please make sure all services are legitimate — research companies, verify licenses and review our Scams at a Glance: After the Storm brochure that provides additional tips and resources.”
Following natural disasters, qualified contractors usually are in high demand and are booked up for months. That leads to scammers or unqualified out-of-state workers moving in to take advantage of those in need of legitimate service.
If property is damaged from the storm, Moody’s office suggests following these tips when hiring a contractor:
* Have an insurance company evaluate damage before arranging repairs to ensure that the work will be covered under a policy;
* Get at least three written, itemized estimates on bids or repairs;
* Watch out for unsolicited offers or contractors claiming to perform repairs at a discount with leftover supplies from another job;
* Research a company and its reputation—look for references online, or ask a friend;
* Check to see if a company is properly licensed, insured and if there are any consumer complaints filed against a licensed contractor at MyFloridaLicense.com;
* Make sure a contractor is bonded and verified with a bonding agency;
* Read the entire contract, including the fine print, before signing to ensure it includes the required buyer’s right to cancel language. Understand penalties that may be imposed for cancellation;
* Insist on releases of any liens that could be placed on the property from all subcontractors prior to making final payments. Homeowners may unknowingly have liens placed against their properties by suppliers or subcontractors who did not get paid by the contractor. If the contractor fails to pay them, the liens will remain on the title;
* Never pay the full amount of a repair expense upfront, and hesitate before providing large deposits; and
* Do not sign a certificate of completion or make final payment until satisfied with the work performed.
Moody’s office says the Federal Emergency Management Agency offers disaster relief to eligible victims through various programs and warns that scammers may pose as FEMA officials after a storm. The office also advises caution when seeking aid, noting:
* No state or federal disaster-relief agency will call asking for personal information;
* State and federal workers carry identification and will not ask for or accept cash;
* Know that applications for FEMA relief programs are free and can be accessed at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1(800) 621-FEMA; and
* Be wary of anyone who offers to fill out, assist with or expedite an application as they may be seeking access to personal information.
As for tree removal, the office also provides these tips:
* Watch out for anyone who approaches unsolicited about tree removal;
* Get multiple written estimates and ask whether debris removal is included in the estimate;
* Research a company thoroughly;
* Check for proof of insurance and verify with the insurer that the policy is current; and
* Never pay the full amount upfront and do not make a final payment until completely satisfied with the work.
Moody’s office also warns residents to be wary of potential charity scams. Those often include fake charities with similar names to well-known organizations. The office says to avoid solicitors that use high-pressure tactics or are hesitant to provide additional information about the charitable organization and to consider donating to an established disaster-relief charity.
It also suggests ensuring a charity is an accredited organization with the Better Business Bureau by searching the BBB Wise Giving Alliance website at Give.org and research the organization’s giving history at CharityNavigator.org.
Anyone who suspects price gouging on storm-essential items is asked to report it to the Florida Attorney General’s Office by using the No Scam app, visiting MyFloridaLegal.com or calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM. The No Scam app can be downloaded for free on Apple and Android devices through the app store by searching No Scam.
In addition, Moody’s office reminds residents that violators of the price gouging statute are subject to civil penalties of $1,000 per violation and up to a total of $25,000 for multiple violations committed in a single 24-hour period, in addition to other applicable penalties that may be imposed.