09/25/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/25/2024 12:41
ATLANTA, GA - Attorney General Chris Carr is warning Georgians to be on the lookout for possible storm-related scams in anticipation of Hurricane Helene.
"As we continue to prepare for Hurricane Helene and hope that any damage it causes is minimal, we want to ensure that Georgians are protected from home repair fraud and other scams," said Carr. "Unfortunately, criminals will often try to take advantage of those impacted by severe weather. Make sure you know how to spot and report a scam before turning over your hard-earned dollars, and contact our Consumer Protection Division if you're in need of assistance."
When bad storms cause widespread damage to homes, criminals may try to exploit the disaster. These scam artists, often referred to as "storm chasers," may ask homeowners for up-front payments for home repair service and then disappear without ever doing the work. In other cases, scammers may charge exorbitant prices for tree removal, charge you for unnecessary repairs or do substandard work. Sometimes scammers offer to cover the homeowner's insurance deductible and persuade them to give fake reports to the insurance company, potentially implicating the homeowner in a case of insurance fraud.
The Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division offers the following tips to help consumers avoid scams and other fraud in the aftermath of a storm:
For additional information about storm fraud, visit the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division website here.
On Sep. 24, 2024, Governor Brian Kemp issued a State of Emergency for all of Georgia in preparation for Tropical Storm Helene's anticipated impact. This Executive Order invokes the Price Gouging Statute as it pertains to goods and services necessary for preparation, response, and recovery activities for this State of Emergency, including motor fuel, diesel fuel, and other petroleum products. These price gouging protections will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024.
For more information about price gouging, visit the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division website here.
If you think you may have been the victim of a scam or price gouging, contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at 404-651-8600 or 1-800-869-1123 (toll-free in Georgia). Consumers can also file an online complaint here.
If you believe a roofer or other contractor has committed insurance fraud, file a report with the Insurance Commissioner's Office here or call 404-656-2070 or 1-800-656-2298.
If you have trouble contacting or receiving a timely response from your insurance company or if you have questions about your insurance policy, call 1-800-656-2298 or visit the Insurance Commissioner's website here.
Georgians are encouraged to consult the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency's informational website that includes tips on storm preparedness before, during and after a hurricane.