Beware Of Scams, Fraud In Wake Of Hurricane Ian, FL Officials Say

FLORIDA — Florida state officials are warning residents to beware of various scams in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, which battered Southwest Florida as a powerful Category 5 storm before traveling north through much of the state last week.

The state’s chief financial officer, Jimmy Patronis, said individuals and businesses looking to contribute to Hurricane Ian relief efforts should be cautious of imposter GoFundMe-style crowdfunding websites and charity scams, according to a news release from the Florida Department of Financial Services.

To avoid fraud, Floridians are encouraged to make their donations through the Florida Disaster Fund, which has received more than $10 million in donations as of Monday afternoon, at www.FloridaDisasterFund.org or by texting DISASTER to 20222.

• Stay up-to-date by viewing all Hurricane Ian coverage on Patch here.

“I’ve seen disasters bring out some of the best in humanity but unfortunately the worst in some. As we saw during the tragic Surfside building collapse, scam artists will use the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian to scam people for their own personal gain,” Patronis said. “It’s absolutely despicable, and the best way to avoid falling victim is to do your research before giving to any recovery fund or charity. Crowdfunding websites like GoFundMe are often littered with fraud and scams. Do not give to a cause unless you have verified its legitimacy and never feel pressured to donate. If a charity forces you to donate in cash or by gift card, that’s a scam.”

The Federal Trade Commission offered the following tips for avoiding charity scams:

• Don’t let anyone rush you into making a donation, which is often a tactic of scammers.
• Some scammers might try to trick people into paying them by thanking them for a donation they never made.
• Scammers might change their caller ID to make a call look like it’s coming from a local area code.
• Don’t send donations if they’re requested to be made in cash, by gift cards or by wiring money.
• To be safe, only pay by credit card or check.
• Keep a record of all donations and review your statements closely to ensure you’re only charged the amount you agreed to donate.
• Before clicking a donation link, make sure it’s understood who is receiving the donation.

The office of the state’s attorney general, Ashley Moody, also offered advice to those affected by Hurricane Ian and how they can avoid the following scams targeting them.

Repair Scams

• While looking for a reputable contractor, be wary of anyone who approaches unsolicited and offers to do work at a discount using supplies left over from another job.
• Before arranging repairs, have damage evaluated by your insurer to make sure the work will be covered.
• Get at least three written, itemized estimates on repairs.
• Research companies before hiring them through the Better Business Bureau at BBB.org.
• Verify a contractor’s license at MyFloridaLicense.com.
• Ask a contractor for proof of insurance and verify that their policy is current.
• Fully read and understand a repair contract before signing it.
• Understand that an Assignment of Benefits allows insurance policyholders to sign over their insurance benefits and rights to a third party. This lets that party make decisions on the policyholder’s behalf and collect their benefits.
• Be wary of companies that insist on using an Assignment of Benefits to perform repairs on damaged homes.
• Don’t sign blank or incomplete Assignment of Benefits forms or contracts.
• Never pay a contractor the full amount of a repair up front and carefully consider before giving them a large deposit.
• Request releases from any liens that might be placed on the property before making the final payment.
• Don’t sign a certificate of completion before being satisfied with the work that was done.

Tree Service Scams

• Be wary of anyone approaching unsolicited about tree removal.
• Get multiple written estimates before hiring a contractor to remove trees and limbs and ask whether debris removal and stump grinding are included in the price.
• Research companies before hiring them through the Better Business Bureau at BBB.org.
• Request proof of insurance and verify that their policy is current.
• Never pay the full amount up front.

Water Testing and Treatment Scams

• Ask for proof of identification if someone claims to work with a utility provider and says they need to inspect a water line or well.
• Avoid “free” water tests. In these scenarios, the tester is likely only interested in selling their water treatment device.
• Those in need of a water quality test should contact the Florida Department of Health at 850-245-4444 for information on qualified testing laboratories.

Report fraud to the state at MyFloridaLegal.com or by calling 866-9-NO-SCAM (866-966-7226).

“Hurricane Ian devastated Floridians, destroying homes and leaving thousands without food, water or electricity. Rebuilding will take months or longer — creating an inexhaustible demand for qualified contractors and debris removal services,” Moody said. “Sadly, bad actors may exploit this demand to take advantage of people just trying to rebuild their lives. If anyone encounters one of these scams, or excessive price increases on essential commodities, they need to report it to our office immediately so my Rapid Response Team can stop the fraud and keep others from falling prey.”

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and Moody also warned of federal disaster scams and offered the following tips:

• Federal agencies, including FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security, will never charge for disaster assistance.
• Always ask to see official identification of state and federal workers
• Don’t offer any personal information unless speaking with a verified FEMA representative or other federal worker.
• No state or federal disaster-relief agency will call asking for personal information.
• Be wary of anyone offering to fill out, assist with or expedite a FEMA application as they may be trying to steal personal information.
• Check with local law enforcement to ensure identity protection.

Report fraud or scams to StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov or 866-223-0814.

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