Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody is urging Floridians to be on high alert for price gouging and scams as they begin the recovery process after Hurricane Helene. The devastating storm, which made landfall in the Big Bend region last Thursday, caused widespread damage and tragically resulted in a rising death toll.
As residents seek essential supplies, repairs, and debris removal, Attorney General Moody warns that scammers may try to take advantage of the situation.
Read: Hurricane Helene Leaves Trail Of Destruction In North Carolina
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “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.”
The Attorney General’s Office is actively monitoring for price gouging and scams related to the hurricane. A Price Gouging Hotline remains activated, and Floridians are encouraged to report any suspicious activity.
Read: Florida Gov. DeSantis Provides Updates On Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts
Tips to Avoid Post-Hurricane Scams:
- Contractor Fraud: Get multiple written estimates, research companies thoroughly, and never pay the full amount upfront. Be wary of unsolicited offers or high-pressure tactics.
- FEMA Impersonators: No government disaster relief agency will call asking for personal information or accept cash. Beware of anyone offering to assist with FEMA applications.
- Water Testing Scams: Be cautious of individuals claiming to represent water companies and insisting on expensive tests. Verify their identity and check for water safety alerts from local authorities.
- Tree Removal Scams: Get multiple estimates, research companies, and verify insurance before agreeing to tree removal services.
- Charity Scams: Be wary of fake charities with similar names to legitimate organizations. Avoid high-pressure tactics and donate to established charities.
Floridians can report suspected price gouging or scams through the No Scam app, online at MyFloridaLegal.com, or by calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM.
Let’s work together to prevent scammers from further victimizing those impacted by Hurricane Helene.
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