NAPLES
The Naples Police Department has offered a list of tips for avoiding different kinds of scams after Hurricane Ian.
Advanced fee construction
A contractor will require money up-front for supplies. Once you give them money, they disappear, along with your money.
Red flags to look for:
- An unsolicited approach.
- An out-of-state “contractor.”
- No pickup/work truck.
- No professional indicators such as shirt, business card, or vehicle signage; no references
- A contractor going door to door is not typically legitimate.
Precautions you can take:
- Take photographs of the individual’s driver’s license and truck. Verify they are licensed to work in Florida by checking www.myfloridalicense.com or calling (850) 487-1395.
- If they are appropriately licensed, ensure you have a clear written contract with them. The contract may be short, but it should clearly state your deposit will be used to purchase supplies for your house, the company will complete the work in a defined amount of time, etc.
- Avoid paying in cash, if possible, especially when it is paid before the work is fully completed. For the deposit, use a credit card, a check, or an online payment service such as Venmo or Zelle. These payment methods make sure there is a record of the money paid. Do not make the final payment until all the work is completed to your satisfaction.
Job scams
In addition to many other losses, many people have also lost their jobs. Scammers will prey on people out of work and advertise…
