CONSUMER ALERT: Attorney General Moody Warns Floridians About Disaster-Related Scams Following Hurricane Milton

Skip to main content Home Meet the Attorney General Attorney General James Uthmeier Official Photo About the Office Departments AG Opinions Antitrust Civil Legal Services Civil Litigation Consumer Protection Criminal Appeals Litigation Services Medicaid Fraud Parental Rights Solicitor General Statewide Prosecution Programs Back the Blue Be a Florida Hero Consumer Alerts Criminal Justice Programs Military and Veterans Assistance Program Seniors vs. Crime Cold Case Investigations Unit Services Civil Rights Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness Identity Theft Lemon Law Office of Inspector General Open Government Victims Services Contact Us Addresses & Phone Numbers File A Complaint General Inquiries Media Contact × Home Meet the Attorney General Attorney General James Uthmeier Official Photo About the Office Departments AG Opinions Antitrust Civil Legal Services Civil Litigation Consumer Protection Criminal Appeals Litigation Services Medicaid Fraud Parental Rights Solicitor General Statewide Prosecution Programs Back the Blue Be a Florida Hero Consumer Alerts Criminal Justice Programs Military and Veterans Assistance Program Seniors vs. Crime Cold Case Investigations Unit Services Civil Rights Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness Identity Theft Lemon Law Office of Inspector General Open Government Victims Services Contact Us Addresses & Phone Numbers File A Complaint General Inquiries Media Contact Breadcrumb Home News Releases Consumer Alert Attorney General Moody Warns Floridians About Disaster Related Scams Skip to main content CONSUMER ALERT: Attorney General Moody Warns Floridians About Disaster-Related Scams Following Hurricane Milton View PDF Release Date Oct 11, 2024 Contact Kylie Mason Phone (850) 245-0150 TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody is warning Floridians to be vigilant for price gouging, disaster scams and fraud in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. Hurricane Milton struck the West Coast of Florida on Wednesday night, bringing storm surge, flash flooding, tornadoes, high winds and severe weather throughout most of the peninsula. Attorney General Moody is urging those impacted by the storm to watch out for debris-removal scams, contractor scams and other disaster-related schemes while beginning recovery efforts. Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Hurricane Milton left a wide path of destruction across Florida, and 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.” Heavy winds from hurricanes such as Milton often result in littered roads and uprooted trees. If planning to request removal of fallen or nearby trees after a storm, follow these tips to avoid being scammed: Watch out for anyone who approaches unsolicited about tree removal; Get multiple written estimates and ask whether debris removal is included in the estimate; Research a company thoroughly; Check for proof of insurance and verify with the insurer that the policy is current; and Never pay the full amount upfront, and do not make a final payment until completely satisfied with the work. Following a disaster like Hurricane Milton, it is common to see charity scams pop up as scammers aim to take advantage of generous Floridians. Review these tips to avoid falling for one of these schemes: Beware of fake charities with similar names to well-known organizations; Avoid solicitors that use high-pressure tactics or are hesitant to provide additional information about the charitable organization; Consider donating to an established disaster-relief charity; and Ensure the charity is an accredited organization with the Better Business Bureau by searching the BBB Wise Giving Alliance website at Give.org and research the organization’s giving history at CharityNavigator.org. The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers disaster relief to eligible victims through various programs. Scammers may pose as FEMA officials to prey on vulnerable Floridians after a storm. When seeking aid, consider the following: No state or federal disaster-relief agency will call asking for personal information; State and federal workers carry identification and will not ask for or accept cash; Know that applications for FEMA relief programs are free and can be accessed at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1(800) 621-FEMA; and Beware of anyone who offers to fill out, assist with or expedite an application as they may be seeking access to personal information. Following a natural disaster, qualified contractors are usually in high demand and become booked up for months. Scammers or unqualified out-of-state workers may flood in to take advantage of Floridians in need of legitimate service. If property is damaged from the storm, follow these tips when hiring a contractor: Have an insurance company evalu