Resources Following Scams at a Glance:
a Natural Disaster Florida Attorney General’s Office
Scams at a Glance:
After the Storm
After the Storm
Visit MyFloridaLegal.com to find
consumer tips or to file a complaint.
The below resources may help those working to By remaining vigilant and informed,
recover from a natural disaster. Please note that savvy consumers can help us build a
the availability may be limited by impact, Stronger, Safer Florida.
severity, and affected region.
• Those experiencing financial losses after an
emergency may be eligible for Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Disaster Assistance. Determine eligibility at Report fraud by calling
FEMA.gov or Г-КВВ-ИДГ-ЕЕИД. Know that 1-866-9-NO-SCAM
there is no fee to apply for, receive, or
(1-866-966-7226).
expedite assistance.
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance from
the Florida Department of Economic
Opportunity may be available to qualifying
Floridians. Determine availability and
eligibility at FloridaJobs.org.
• Additional emergency services may be
available from the Florida Department of
Children and Families. Find more Attorney General Ashley Moody
information at MyFLFamilies.com. Office of the Attorney General
• Immediate foreclosure relief may be PL-01 The Capitol
available from the U.S. Department of Tallahassee, Florida 32399
Housing and Urban Development. Find MyFloridaLegal.com
more information at HUD.gov.
Revised 9-2023
• Never pay the full amount of a repair up
Every natural disaster or Water Testing and
front and carefully consider before providing
emergency provides an a large deposit; Treatment Scams
opportunity for unscrupulous • Insist on releases from any liens that could Water mains and personal wells can be affected
individuals to try to take be placed on the property prior to making by heavy rains and flooding. Avoid falling victim
advantage of the crisis and final payment; and to dishonest testing and treatment companies by
prey on those in distress. The • Do not sign a certificate of completion until following these tips:
following scams are among satisfied with the work performed. • Ask for proof of identification if someone
the most prevalent during arrives claiming to be a utility provider
representative needing to inspect a water
these times:
line or well;
• Avoid “free” water tests as the tester is
likely only interested in selling their water
Repair Scams treatment device; and
Qualified contractors are in high demand • If in need of a water quality test, seek
following a disaster. If in need of a repair, follow information on qualified testing
these tips to find a reputable contractor: laboratories from the Florida Department
• Be wary of anyone who approaches of Health at КЗВ-ДЖЗ-ЖЖЖЖ.
unsolicited offering to work at a discount Anyone who encounters a scam after a hurricane
with supplies left from a previous job; or other natural disaster should contact the
• Have damage evaluated by the insurer Florida Attorney General’s Office at
before arranging repairs to ensure work will Tree Service Scams MyFloridaLegal.com or at Г-КИИ-Л-NO-SCAM
be covered; Following heavy winds and flooding, uprooted (Г-КИИ-ЛИИ-ЙДДИ).
• Get at least three written, itemized trees can litter roadways and yards. Consider the
estimates on repairs; following tips when hiring a tree removal service:
• Research the company and its reputation • Be wary of anyone who approaches
with the Better Business Bureau at unsolicited about tree removal;
BBB.org; • Get multiple written estimates and inquire
• Verify the contractor’s license at whether debris removal and stump grinding
MyFloridaLicense.com; are included in the pricing;
• Check for proof of insurance and verify with • Research the company and its reputation
the insurer that the policy is current; with the Better Business Bureau at BBB.org;
• Read and understand the repair contract • Check for proof of insurance and verify with
before signing; the insurer that the policy is current; and
• Never pay the full amount up front.
