10/11/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/11/2024 10:18
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.-Attorney General Ashley Moody is warning Floridians to be vigilant for price gouging, disaster scams and fraud in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. Hurricane Milton struck the West Coast of Florida on Wednesday night, bringing storm surge, flash flooding, tornadoes, high winds and severe weather throughout most of the peninsula. Attorney General Moody is urging those impacted by the storm to watch out for debris-removal scams, contractor scams and other disaster-related schemes while beginning recovery efforts.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, "Hurricane Milton left a wide path of destruction across Florida, and it is important that everyone who is now beginning the recovery process knows to be vigilant of scams and price gouging, as well as other disaster-related schemes. Our Scams at a Glance: After the Storm resource contains valuable information for Floridians to help them avoid falling victim."
Heavy winds from hurricanes such as Milton often result in littered roads and uprooted trees. If planning to request removal of fallen or nearby trees after a storm, follow these tips to avoid being scammed:
Following a disaster like Hurricane Milton, it is common to see charity scams pop up as scammers aim to take advantage of generous Floridians. Review these tips to avoid falling for one of these schemes:
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, consider the following:
Following a natural disaster, qualified contractors are usually in high demand and become booked up for months. 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, follow these tips when hiring a contractor:
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:
Anyone who suspects price gouging on storm-essential items can report it to the Florida Attorney General's Office by using the No Scam app, visiting MyFloridaLegal.com or calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM. Attorney General Moody's No Scam app can be downloaded for free on Apple and Android devices through the app store by searching No Scam.
For more information on price gouging, click here.
Violators of the price gouging statute are subject to civil penalties of $1,000 per violation and up to a total of $25,000 for multiple violations committed in a single 24-hour period, in addition to other applicable penalties that may be imposed.
To download Attorney General Moody's Scams at a Glance: Price Gouging brochure in English, click here. To download the Spanish version, click here.
For tips on what to do before and after a storm strikes, download the 2024 Hurricane Preparedness Guide here. For the Spanish version, click here.
For additional information about storm-related scams and recovery resources, view Scams at a Glance: After the Storm. To download the resource in English, click here. To download the Spanish version, click here.
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The Florida Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division issues Consumer Alerts to inform Floridians of emerging scams, new methods used to commit fraud, increased reports of common scams, or any other deceptive practice. Consumer Alerts are designed to notify Floridians about scams and available refunds in an effort to prevent financial losses or other harm caused by deceptive practices. Anyone encountering a scam should report the incident to the Florida Attorney General's Office by calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM or visiting MyFloridaLegal.com. To view recent Consumer Alerts and for other information about avoiding scams, visit MyFloridaLegal.com/ConsumerAlert.