By outdoor-nature-child.com Hurricane Milton has left a trail of destruction across Florida, claiming at least 17 lives and causing significant property damage. In the coastal town of Manasota Key, debris and shattered windows are strewn everywhere. With the state’s government warning that victims are particularly vulnerable at this time—facing power outages and lack of communication—scams could easily exploit their situation. Authorities are cautioning residents to be vigilant for anyone posing as officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or contractors offering unsolicited help with repairs, as these may be fraudulent attempts.
In a recent report, Melanie McGovern from the Better Business Bureau emphasized that scammers often employ a variety of tactics. If someone’s offering services appears overly aggressive, avoids answering questions, requests upfront payments, or pressures you to act immediately, it might be wise to step back and seek assistance from other contractors.
Residents affected by the hurricane frequently encounter scams related to government assistance. FEMA has noted that unsolicited emails or phone calls claiming to be from their agency or other organizations should be treated with caution. They will not contact disaster victims asking for personal financial information; only registered applicants will be directly contacted.
For those who receive suspicious communications, FEMA advises calling their assistance hotline at 1-800-621-3362 to verify the legitimacy of the message.
Moreover, while many well-meaning individuals want to help hurricane victims, they too can fall prey to scams involving fake charities. The Florida Consumer Protection Division suggests that potential donors request financial reports from charities to assess their credibility before making contributions.
Crowdfunding platforms are also rife with scams, with individuals posting fraudulent stories to elicit sympathy and donations. Anyone encountering false charities or scams is encouraged to report them to the National Center for Disaster Fraud.
Officials in Pinellas County are urging residents to be cautious of contractors who rush in after the disaster, specifically targeting damaged homes. These individuals may promise to repair roofs or remove fallen trees, but they often disappear after receiving a deposit without completing the work.
County officials warn against those who demand payment before services are rendered and recommend paying only when work is completed or underway. Additionally, contractors who claim they can carry out significant repairs without permits should raise red flags. It’s advised to engage only licensed and insured contractors for any recovery work.