This week, I sent Consumer Protection investigators to Lee County to help those who may be encountering recovery-related scams or price gouging in the wake of Hurricane Ian.
Ian destroyed homes and displaced thousands of Floridians. Rebuilding in some of the hardest hit areas will likely take years and will attract workers from across Florida and beyond. With repair demands so high, often qualified contracts can be booked up for months—paving the way for bad actors and scammers to take advantage of the situation.
That is why it is so important that our investigators are on the scene to help Floridians who believe they have encountered a scam.Our investigators are helping consumers file complaints and report suspicious activity, such as:
- Contractor scams for property damage;
- Fraudulent tree-removal operations;
- Fake disaster-relief programs not associated with the Federal Emergency Management Agency; and
- High-priced tests of water mains and personal wells.
Additionally, our Price Gouging Hotline remains active statewide. Anyone that suspects price gouging, or a storm-related scam, can contact my office by using the No Scam app, visiting MyFloridaLegal.com or calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM.
Rebuilding will take time, patience and working together, but Floridians are resilient, and we will get through this challenging time.
Stay safe, Florida.
In The News
Sheriff Marcos Lopez, Attorney General Ashley Moody Visit Good Samaritan Village in Kissimmee, Positively Osceola
Attorney General Ashley Moody Warns Consumers of Price Gouging, Scams in Aftermath of Hurricane Ian, Space Coast Daily
How to Avoid Charity Scams When Donating to Hurricane Ian Relief, NBC 6 South Florida
AG Moody issues another warning about price gouging, disaster scams in aftermath of Hurricane Ian, The Center Square
AG Asks State Attorneys to Take a Hard Line Toward Those Who Take Advantage of Ian Victims, The Florida Bar
Moody warns potential looters of consequences during state of emergency, The Center Square
Protecting Floridians
CONSUMER ALERT: Attorney General Moody Warns Floridians of Price Gouging, Disaster Scams and Fraud in Aftermath of Hurricane Ian
Attorney General Ashley Moody is warning Floridians of price gouging, disaster scams and fraud in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Thousands of Floridians have been displaced by Ian and may be seeking food, shelter, debris removal or home repairs. Attorney General Moody’s Price Gouging Hotline remains activated for consumers to report allegations of extreme price increases, as well scams related to the ongoing recovery efforts.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “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. 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.” Read More
VIDEO CONSUMER ALERT: Avoid Charity Scams When Donating to Hurricane Ian Recovery Efforts
Attorney General Ashley Moody is issuing a Consumer Alert warning donors about charity scams that may appear as Hurricane Ian recovery efforts continue. The devastation caused by Ian is heartbreaking, and generous Floridians are looking for ways to help those displaced by the storm. Unfortunately, scammers may prey on donors by creating fake charities to steal money intended for those desperately in need.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “The outpouring of help and support for those displaced by Ian is heartwarming—and we hope people continue to give. However, scammers often take advantage of disasters in an effort to steal charitable donations. Please do your research before giving and consider donating to well-established charities such as FloridaDisasterFund.org. Being proactive with your donation is one of the best steps you can take to guard against charity fraud." More.
Attorney General Moody Sends Consumer Protection Investigators to Lee County to Protect Victims of Hurricane Ian
Attorney General Ashley Moody is sending Consumer Protection investigators into Lee County to help protect victims of Hurricane Ian. Florida remains under a state of emergency due to the catastrophic hurricane, and Attorney General Moody’s Price Gouging Hotline remains active. However, many Floridians in the affected areas do not have internet or may not have access to cellphone service—making it difficult to report allegations of extreme price increases or disaster-related scams.Governor Ron DeSantis announced the opening of the first Disaster Recovery Center in Lee County to provide services to impacted Floridians. Attorney General Moody is sending investigators to the DRC to distribute consumer protection information and help Floridians report recovery-related scams and allegations of price gouging.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “I am sending Consumer Protection investigators into Lee County to help Floridians who encounter recovery-related scams or incidences of price gouging. Many of these consumers are without internet and may not have the ability to call our office, so it’s vital that we provide resources and an in-person location where they can go and report suspicious activity. All our efforts in Lee County will be supported by our Rapid Response Team that is working across the state to identify and stop any incidences of price gouging that may arise during this state of emergency.” Read More
Events
This week, Attorney General Ashley Moody joined Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez to assess the damage from Hurricane Ian at a local senior-living community.
In Seminole County, Attorney General Moody received a bird's eye view of the damage by flying in a helicopter. Flooding in the area continues to be a major problem.
In Seminole County, Attorney General Moody received a bird's eye view of the damage by flying in a helicopter. Flooding in the area continues to be a major problem.
Attorney General Moody with DeSoto County Sheriff James Potter inspecting storm damage in DeSoto County.
Attorney General Moody thanking dispatchers and first responders at the Sarasota County Emergency Operations Center. These dedicated public servants are working non-stop to take emergency calls and help Floridians hit hard by Hurricane Ian—they’ve received more than 27,000 calls related to the storm.
