How to avoid scams during Hurricane Irma recovery

FORT MYERS, Fla. Some people will try to take advantage of others’ misery after Hurricane Irma.

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is warning residents to guard against price gouging, contracting scams and looting.

Looting arrests were made after the storm Sunday, Fort Myers police Lt. Jay Rodriguez said.

“This is disgraceful and anyone who steals from Floridians in this time of crisis will be caught and prosecuted,” Bondi said in a press release. “My office and law enforcement continue to work tirelessly to protect Floridians, but citizens can help by taking steps to avoid being victimized.”

Below are tips from Bondi’s office on hiring a contractor for post-storm repairs:

• Watch out for unsolicited offers or contractors claiming they can perform repairs at a discount with leftover supplies from another job.
• Have your insurance company evaluate damage before arranging repairs to ensure that the work will be covered under your policy.
• Get at least three written, itemized estimates or bids on repairs.
• Verify a contractor has a license with local and state licensing boards.
• Ensure the contractor is licensed for the job. Check to see if a company is properly licensed and if there are any consumer complaints filed against a licensed contractor at MyFloridaLicense.com, the Department of Professional Business Regulation’s website.
• Research the company and its reputation–ask for references.
• Contact the attorney general’s office at 1-866-9NO-SCAM to see if there are complaints against a company or contractor.
• Check for proof of insurance and verify with the insurer that their policy is current.
• Check to see if the contractor is bonded and verify with the bonding agency.
• Never pay the full amount of a repair up front and hesitate before providing large deposits.
• Read entire contract, including the fine print, before signing to ensure it includes the required buyer’s right to cancel language. Understand cancellation rights and penalties you may experience for cancelling.
• Homeowners may unknowingly have liens placed against their properties by suppliers or subcontractors who have not been paid by the contractor. If the contractor fails to pay them, the liens will remain on the title. Insist on releases of any liens that could be placed on the property from all subcontractors prior to making final payments.
• Do not sign a certificate of completion or make final payment until you are satisfied with the work performed.

Below are tips from Bondi’s office on avoiding tree service scams:

• Watch out for anyone who approaches unsolicited about tree removal.
• Get multiple written estimates and ask whether debris removal is included in the estimate.
• Research the company and its reputation–ask for references. Contact the attorney general’s office at 1-866-9NO-SCAM to check if there are complaints against the company.
• Check for proof of insurance and verify with the insurer that their policy is current.
• Never pay the full amount up front and do not make a final payment until you are completely satisfied with the work done.

Below are tips on avoiding charity scams:

• Avoid solicitors that use high-pressure tactics or are hesitant to provide additional information on the charitable organization.
• Be wary of charities with similar sounding names. Some phony charities may attempt to capitalize on disasters by using names similar to legitimate, well-known charities.
• Consider donating to an established disaster-relief charity.
• Contact the Florida Attorney General’s Office or the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (1-800-HELP-FLA), the agency that regulates charities, to determine if the charity you are donating to has any complaints against them.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers disaster relief to eligible victims through various programs. When seeking aid, the attorney general’s office says know this:

• No state or federal disaster relief agency will call you for your financial information.
• State and federal workers carry identification and will not ask for or accept cash.
• Know that applications for federal FEMA relief programs are free and can be accessed at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA.
• Be wary of anyone who offers to fill out, assist with or expedite your application as they may be seeking access to your personal information.

Water mains and personal wells can be affected during hurricanes, and dishonest companies and individuals may insist upon pricey tests to determine water safety. Avoid falling victim by following these tips from the attorney general’s office.

• If someone claims to be a representative of your city, county or utility provider needing to inspect your water line or well, ask for proof of identification.
• Check for water safety alerts as provided by local media and utility providers;
• If you doubt the safety of your water, contact your local health department or utility. Local water utilities are required to test water quality on a regular basis.
• If you doubt the safety of your well water, seek advice from your state or local health department to determine what tests should be performed and find certified testers in your are.
• If in doubt, boil water vigorously for one to three minutes or drink bottled water.

Report any scams to the attorney general’s office by calling 1-866-9NO-SCAM. If you cannot get a live operator, file a complaint online at MyFloridaLegal.com.