Avoiding post-storm scams in SWFL

Reporter: Rich Kolko Writer: Joey Pellegrino
Published: Updated:
Tree falls on home in Cape Coral due to weather caused by Eta. The fire department went to assist Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020. Credit: Cape Coral Fire Department.

The sun may be out after a tropical system has passed, but so are the scammers.

Southwest Floridians have to be on the lookout for people taking advantage of those needing storm repairs. Bad actors will use times of disaster recovery to exploit residents with price gouging and other storm-related scams.

Common tactics are repair, tree service or even water-testing scams. People without licenses, insurance or experience may try to rip you off by charging exorbitant prices. The work may never get finished. You can be left with more problems and more expenses.

A couple of things to do to stay safe and keep your money:

  • Be wary of walkup offers
  • Discount for working with leftover supplies
  • Research the business
  • Check for insurance
  • Don’t pay full amount before work

The Florida Attorney General put out information called “After the Storm” with more tips.

https://winknews.com/wp-content/uploads/AfterTheStorm.pdf

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