Consumer Alert
06/01/2009
Attorney General, American Red Cross: Prepare For Hurricane Season Early to Prevent Scams
~ Florida residents and guests should plan now for future storms~
TALLAHASSEE, FL – On the opening day of the 2009 Atlantic hurricane season, Attorney General Bill McCollum joined the American Red Cross to encourage Florida residents and guests to prepare early for hurricanes, thereby avoiding scams like price gouging when storms develop. The Attorney General noted that aside from the physical devastation storms can cause, hurricane season is also a time when con artists try to capitalize on the vulnerabilities of storm victims by price gouging on essential supplies such as food, water, ice, gasoline or a place to stay during an evacuation.
"Hurricane season breeds not only bad weather, but also potential bad actors in our state," said Attorney General McCollum. "The best way to avoid becoming a victim of price gouging or any other storm-related scam is to be prepared well ahead of the storm."
Florida law prohibits extreme increases in the price of essential commodities such as food, water, hotels, ice, gasoline, lumber and equipment needed as a direct result of an officially declared emergency. Price gouging should be reported to the Attorney General’s hotline at 1-866-9-NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226).
Floridians – as well as those who may plan to visit or stay in Florida during hurricane season – should have a plan ready. This should include stocking up on necessary supplies, locating hurricane shelters well in advance, preparing a personal evacuation plan and protecting any property from high winds and water. Pets should receive special attention in any preparedness plans as many shelters will not allow pets.
"The American Red Cross is proud to partner with the Attorney General’s Office to help Florida residents. We see the devastation caused by disasters and we look forward to working with the Attorney General to help disaster victims be aware of potential scams and other threats," said David Chayer, Chief Executive Officer for the Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Attorney General McCollum also reminded residents and guests that while price gouging is an issue more commonly associated with hurricanes, identity theft and other scams deserve attention as well. Floridians should take the necessary precautions to safeguard personal documents or other important information. Often in the wake of natural disasters, papers containing personally identifiable information are misplaced or fall into the wrong hands, complicating the recovery process and putting citizens at risk for identity theft. Scam artists may also attempt to defraud hurricane victims by "selling" products or services they never intend to deliver.
The Attorney General’s Office can provide assistance and information to Florida’s residents and guests before, during and after storms and other disasters. More information is available on the Attorney General’s website at http://www.myfloridalegal.com and on the American Red Cross’s website at http://www.RedCross.org.