HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – Following Hurricane Helene, Hillsborough County is urging residents to be cautious of fraud and scams. With high demand for contractors, scammers and unqualified workers might attempt to take advantage of the situation.
Beware of High-Pressure Sales
The Florida Department of Financial Services advises against succumbing to high-pressure sales tactics, especially door-to-door solicitations. Avoid cash payments and don’t sign any paperwork from unqualified workers.
If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Contact your insurance agent or the Florida Department of Financial Services at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236) first.
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Tips for Hiring a Contractor
- Insurance evaluation: Make sure repairs are covered by your policy. Have an insurance company assess the damage before starting any work.
- Estimates: Get at least three written, itemized estimates.
- Bogus offers: Be wary of unsolicited offers or contractors claiming to have leftover supplies from other jobs.
- Do your research: Check a company’s reputation online or ask for references. Verify licenses and insurance at MyFloridaLicense.com or by calling the Florida Attorney General’s Office at (866) 9NO-SCAM.
- Bonded: Ensure the contractor is bonded and verified with a bonding agency.
- Read the fine print: Understand the entire contract, including cancellation terms and penalties.
- Liens: Insist on releases from all subcontractors before making final payments to avoid potential liens on your property.
- Deposits and final payment: Never pay in full upfront, be cautious with large deposits, and only make the final payment when satisfied with the work.
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Avoid Charity Scams
Be wary of imposter crowdfunding websites and charity scams. Donate to legitimate organizations like the Hillsborough County Disaster Relief Fund or Florida Disaster Fund.
- Don’t rush: Take your time before making any donations.
- Beware of “thank yous”: Scammers might thank you for donations you never made.
- Fake caller ID numbers: Be aware that scammers can spoof local area codes.
- Use credit cards or checks: Avoid paying with cash, gift cards, or wire transfers.
- Keep good records: Track your donations and review statements carefully.
- Know the recipient: Research the organization before donating online.
Avoid FEMA Scams
- No fees: FEMA and other federal agencies never charge for disaster assistance.
- Identification: Always ask for ID and verify FEMA representatives.
- Trusted sources: Rely on local media for updates on scams.
- Report misconduct: Report fraud or misconduct to the appropriate authorities.
Self-Reporting Damage Form
Starting September 28th, residents and nonprofit organizations can report property damage using the self-reporting form at HCFL.gov/DamageAssessment. This will help the county evaluate the extent of the damage.
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