Attorney General Ashley Moody has issued a warning to Floridians about potential scams and fraud in the wake of Hurricane Milton. The hurricane struck Florida's West Coast on Wednesday night, causing severe weather conditions such as storm surge, flash flooding, tornadoes, and high winds across much of the state. In response to these events, Attorney General Moody advises residents to be cautious of scams related to debris removal, contractor services, and other disaster-related schemes.
"Hurricane Milton left a wide path of destruction across Florida," said Attorney General Moody. "It is important that everyone who is now beginning the recovery process knows to be vigilant of scams and price gouging, as well as other disaster-related schemes. Our Scams at a Glance: After the Storm resource contains valuable information for Floridians to help them avoid falling victim."
In addition to physical damage from hurricanes like Milton, there are concerns about charity scams that exploit the goodwill of those looking to help victims. To combat this threat, residents are encouraged to verify charitable organizations through resources such as Give.org and CharityNavigator.org.
Scammers may also impersonate officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or other disaster-relief agencies. Residents should be aware that no legitimate agency will request personal information over the phone or accept cash payments. Applications for FEMA relief programs can be accessed without charge via DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1(800) 621-FEMA.
When hiring contractors for repairs post-disaster, it is recommended that property owners have insurance evaluations done first and obtain multiple written estimates before proceeding with any work. Contractors should be properly licensed and insured; homeowners should also ensure all subcontractors are paid before making final payments.
Water safety can become an issue during hurricanes; therefore, individuals are advised against expensive water testing unless verified by local health authorities. Residents should stay informed through local media and utility providers regarding water safety alerts.
Floridians suspecting price gouging on essential items after Hurricane Milton can report incidents using the No Scam app or contact Attorney General Moody’s office directly at 1(866) 9NO-SCAM. Violations may result in civil penalties ranging up to $25,000 for multiple offenses within a single day.
The Florida Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division regularly issues Consumer Alerts to warn citizens about new scams or fraudulent activities impacting consumers statewide.