How to avoid becoming a post-storm scam victim

In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on the Tampa Bay area, local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant against potential scams targeting storm victims. 

The Pinellas County Consumer Protection office has issued a comprehensive set of guidelines to help homeowners avoid falling prey to fraudulent contractors and other post-disaster schemes. As residents begin the arduous process of rebuilding, Consumer Protection officials warn of several common tactics employed by unscrupulous individuals, including door-to-door solicitations from unfamiliar contractors, demands for full payment upfront or claims that extensive repairs don’t require permits.

“Consumer Protection is committed to protecting our county’s consumers from post-disaster impacts due to Hurricane Helene, ” said Doug Templeton, Pinellas County Consumer Protection Chief Investigator. “Unlicensed contracting is a crime. Don’t become a victim of fraud or poor workmanship by hiring an unlicensed home repair contractor. If you have questions, we’re here to help.”

Templeton added that consumers should watch out for “fly-by-night” contractors who take deposits and do little or no work. Keep tabs on any contractors hired and only pay for work upon completion or as the project progresses.

To ensure repairs are completed satisfactorily and legally, homeowners are advised to:

1. Only work with licensed and insured contractors
2. Verify contractor credentials through official channels
3. Insist on detailed written contracts
4. Obtain proof of payment for all work completed
5. Require final affidavits indicating all subcontractors and suppliers have been paid
6. Ensure all work passes official inspections before making final payments

The the license status of state-certified contractors can be verified online at myfloridalicense.com. A list of PCCLB-licensed, qualified and insured contractors can also be found online using the Contractor Search feature.

In the wake of the storm, Florida’s Disaster Contractors Network (DCN) has been activated to support homeowners who may need help with emergency home repairs. The DCN is a free resource founded by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) designed to connect homeowners with licensed contractors and suppliers to perform emergency repairs. 

Florida’s Disaster Contractors Network (DCN) connects homeowners with resources to complete emergency home repairs. The DCN also prevents homeowners from being preyed upon by unlicensed contractors through proactive education and outreach efforts. Screengrab: dcnonline.org.

With Pinellas County included in the governor’s state of emergency declaration, residents are protected by Florida’s price gouging law. This legislation prohibits excessive price increases on essential goods and services during declared emergencies. Residents suspecting price gouging are encouraged to report incidents to Pinellas County Consumer Protection at (727) 464-6200 and the Florida Attorney General’s hotline at 1-866-9-NO-SCAM.

As relief efforts ramp up, officials also warn of potential charity scams exploiting the disaster.

“During times like this, we see firsthand what makes this area great, a community full of spirit with neighbors helping neighbors. We have even seen those who have been personally impacted by the hurricane asking for ways they can contribute to the recovery efforts,” said Katie Shultz, Vice President of Communication for Community Foundation Tampa Bay. “Unfortunately, we see a spike in charity scams following disasters.  We do not want anyone to be discouraged from giving – giving is what makes this community great, but we want everyone to be vigilant when they give.”

In response to Hurricane Helene, Community Foundation Tampa Bay (CFTB) activated its Tampa Bay Rapid Response Fund, which was created as a trusted and reliable way to make tax-deductible donations to address emergency situations in the local community. Donations can be made online at  cftampabay.org/give_now/rapidresponse/ and CFTB will distribute the funding to nonprofits that are responding to immediate emergency needs, recovery and relief.

“Use your head and your heart when giving,” Shultz added. “Give to a charity that is doing work you feel is meaningful, but always check out the charity first, no matter how prominent their name might seem. I always recommend using Charity Navigator to look up a nonprofit.”

CFTB has also compiled a list of local, state and federal resources – both government and nonprofit – that have mobilized to help with the immediate emergency needs of those who affected by the hurricane at cftampabay.org/helene.

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