Price Gouging And Scams On The Rise Following Hurricanes Helene And Milton - How To Protect Yourself

Florida has just been hit by two tropical storms, Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The storms left devastation in their wake, but there's more to be wary of after the storms. 

In the aftermath of these storms, price gouging and scams have become rampant, adding to the stress of those trying to recover. It’s important to stay vigilant during these challenging times to protect yourself from those trying to take advantage of an already terrible situation. 

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Here's what you need to know about price gouging and scammers and how to safeguard your finances.

Price Gouging: Know the Signs

Price gouging typically occurs when businesses raise prices for essential goods and services to unreasonable levels during emergencies. This can include items like bottled water, gas, food and hotel rooms. 

For example, North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein posted on X that his office received over 100 price-gouging complaints following Hurricane Helene, particularly related to fuel, groceries, and accommodation costs. 

Similarly, Florida's Attorney General Ashley Moody extended the state's price-gouging hotline following Hurricane Milton to ensure residents had a means to report these unfair practices.

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What constitutes price gouging?

In most states with anti-price gouging laws, price gouging is defined as an excessive or unfair increase in the price of necessary goods during a state of emergency. 

Florida Law bans the "unconscionable increase in the price of essential commodities during a declared State of Emergency." In South Carolina, prices are considered gouged when they “grossly exceed” what was charged for the same item within 30 days before the emergency.

If you suspect price gouging, start by directly addressing the issue with the business. Politely ask about the price difference and if the business refuses to adjust it, take a picture of the product and price as evidence. You can then report it to your state attorney general's office. In Florida, you can call 1-866-9NO-SCAM to file a complaint.

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Avoiding Post-Storm Scams

Unfortunately, price gouging isn't the only financial threat following a natural disaster. Scam artists quickly take advantage of the chaos, often posing as representatives from agencies like FEMA, insurance companies or even fake contractors offering repair services. 

These scammers may demand full payment upfront or request sensitive personal or financial information, which can lead to identity theft. One common scam is fraudulent contractors offering to fix homes or provide tree removal services. 

Always verify a contractor's credentials through resources like the Better Business Bureau to avoid falling victim to these schemes. Avoid paying cash upfront and consult with your insurance company before making any repairs.

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Charity Scams

For those outside of Florida who want to contribute and help those in need, it's important to understand that scammers may target you too. Unfortunately, scammers exploit this goodwill by setting up fake charities or crowdfunding campaigns. 

Make sure that your donation goes to a legitimate cause by verifying the organization on sites like CharityNavigator.org or Give.org. Be cautious of any donation requests made over the phone or through social media, as these are often unverified.

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Protect Yourself

Here are a few practical steps to avoid falling victim to price gouging or scams:

• Research Before Buying or Donating: Use trusted resources to verify businesses or charities.
• Document Evidence: If you suspect price gouging, take photos or keep receipts as evidence.
• Consult Authorities: Report any suspected fraud or price gouging to your state attorney general's office.
• Be Wary of Unsolicited Offers: Avoid giving personal information to unsolicited callers or individuals offering services door-to-door.
• Check Vehicle Histories: If purchasing a used car after the storm, verify its history through VINCheck or Carfax to avoid buying a flood-damaged vehicle.

Natural disasters are hard enough without having to worry about financial exploitation. By staying informed and vigilant, you can protect yourself and your community from post-storm scams and price gouging.

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