In the aftermath of the extreme devastation caused by Hurricane Ian, the National Center for Disaster Fraud has warned that after any major disaster, unscrupulous individuals will be waiting to take advantage of others’ misfortune.
Created by a partnership between the U.S. Department of Justice and various law enforcement and regulatory agencies, NCDF’s goal is to improve and further the detection, prevention, investigation and prosecution of fraud related to natural and manmade disasters, and to advocate for the victims of such fraud.
Potential victims include those personally impacted by that Category 4 hurricane, and individuals in this state and around the country who wish to make disaster-relief donations.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has already sounded the price-gouging alarm, as residents in that state try to rebuild lives washed away by Ian’s wind and water damage.
Thousands of Floridians displaced by Ian are in dire need of food, shelter, debris removal or home repairs. That also goes for Massachusetts residents with second homes in the Sunshine State.
The Federal Trade Commission offers tips to consumers about schemes that target people recovering from a natural disaster.
Here are some ways to avoid common post-disaster scams:
• Be skeptical of anyone promising immediate clean-up and debris removal. Some may quote outrageous prices, demand payment upfront, or lack the appropriate skills.
• Check them out. Ask for IDs, licenses, and proof of…
