Catastrophic Flooding Looms Over Georgia, North, And South Carolina As Hurricane Debby Churns North In the wake of Hurricane Debby's devastation a
In the wake of Hurricane Debby’s devastation across Florida, Attorney General Ashley Moody is cautioning residents to be vigilant against price gouging, disaster scams, and fraud.
The hurricane caused significant storm surge and damage, particularly along Florida’s west coast and the Big Bend region.
Many Floridians are now seeking essential services like food, shelter, debris removal, and home repairs. The Attorney General’s Price Gouging Hotline remains active for consumers to report instances of extreme price increases and scams related to recovery efforts.
Read: Florida Gov. DeSantis Visits Taylor County To Provide Storm Updates
“As the recovery process for Hurricane Debby begins, it is important to remain vigilant for scams and price gouging,” said Attorney General Moody. “Bad actors may try to exploit Floridians recovering from the storm with disaster-related scams, such as contractor fraud and debris-removal scams. Floridians should ensure all services are legitimate—research companies, verify licenses, and review our Scams at a Glance: After the Storm brochure for additional tips and resources.”
Tips for Hiring Contractors:
- Have your insurance company evaluate the damage before arranging repairs to ensure coverage.
- Obtain at least three written, itemized estimates for repairs.
- Be cautious of unsolicited offers or contractors claiming to perform repairs at a discount.
- Research the company’s reputation and check for references online.
- Verify the company’s license and insurance status at MyFloridaLicense.com.
- Ensure the contractor is bonded and confirmed with a bonding agency.
- Read and understand the entire contract before signing, including the cancellation policy.
- Insist on lien releases from all subcontractors before making final payments.
- Avoid paying the full amount upfront and be cautious about large deposits.
- Do not sign a certificate of completion or make final payment until satisfied with the work.
Avoiding FEMA and Water Testing Scams:
- FEMA will not call asking for personal information; state and federal workers carry ID and will not accept cash.
- FEMA applications are free and available at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1(800) 621-FEMA.
- Verify water safety alerts through local media and utility providers.
- Contact local health departments for advice on water safety tests and certified testers.
- Boil water for one to three minutes or use bottled water if in doubt.
Tree Removal and Charity Scams:
- Be cautious of unsolicited offers for tree removal.
- Obtain multiple written estimates and verify insurance coverage.
- Avoid paying the full amount upfront; do not make final payment until satisfied with the work.
- Be wary of fake charities and high-pressure solicitors.
- Donate to established disaster-relief charities and verify them through the BBB Wise Giving Alliance at Give.org and CharityNavigator.org.
Floridians suspecting price gouging on essential items can report it to the Florida Attorney General’s Office via the No Scam app, MyFloridaLegal.com, or by calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM. The No Scam app is available for free on Apple and Android devices.
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