State Attorney General Ashley Moody is warning Floridians to be vigilant for price gouging, disaster scams and fraud in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Hurricane Helene made landfall September 26 in Florida’s Big Bend region, and the storm’s widespread effects, including catastrophic storm surge, strong winds and heavy rain, impacted millions of Floridians. The storm flattened communities, took homes and has a rising death toll. 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.
“As Floridians are recovering from Hurricane Helene, it is important to remain vigilant for scams and price gouging,” Moody said. “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.”
According to the AGs office, qualified contractors are usually in high demand and become booked up for months following a disaster like Hurricane Helene. The office says scammers or unqualified out-of-state workers may flood in to take advantage of Floridians in need of legitimate service.
If property is damaged from the storm, Moody’s office suggests the following 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 the homeowner, the liens will remain on the title;
* Never pay the full amount of a repair expense upfront, and research the company thoroughly before providing large deposits; and
* Do not sign a certificate of completion or make final payment until satisfied with the work performed.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers disaster relief to eligible victims through various programs. Scammers may pose as FEMA officials to prey on vulnerable Floridians after a storm. When seeking aid, officials consider the following:
* 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
* Beware of anyone who offers to fill out, assist with or expedite an application as they may be seeking access to personal information.
Water mains and personal wells can be affected during hurricanes. Dishonest companies and individuals may insist upon pricey tests to determine water safety. Avoid falling victim by following these tips from authorities:
* Ask for proof of identification if someone claims to be a representative of a city, county or utility provider needing to inspect a water main or well;
* Check for water safety alerts as provided by local media and utility providers;
* Contact a local health or utility department if it is uncertain that water being used is safe. Seek advice from state or local health departments to determine what tests should be performed and to help find certified testers nearby; and
* If in doubt, boil water vigorously for one to three minutes—or drink bottled water.
Heavy winds from hurricanes or tropical storms often result in littered roads and uprooted trees. If planning to request removals of fallen or nearby trees after a storm, follow these tips from the AG’s office to avoid being conned:
* 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.
Following a disaster, it is common to see charity scams pop up as scammers aim to take advantage of generous Floridians. Review these tips from Moody’s office to avoid falling for one of these schemes:
* Beware of fake charities with similar names to well-known organizations;
* Avoid solicitors that use high-pressure tactics or are hesitant to provide additional information about the charitable organization;
* Consider donating to an established disaster-relief charity; and
* Ensure the 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.