Property owners and others especially those residing in areas affected by Hurricane Helene are encouraged to remain cautious and vigilant of scammers. In the aftermath of a major disaster, it's not uncommon for scammers and unlicensed contractors to show up at your door, and knowingly exploit an already devastating situation.
According to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF), various types of disaster-related scams have been reported, including:
Impersonation of federal law enforcement officials
Identity theft
Fraudulent claims submitted to insurance companies or the federal government
Bogus solicitations for charitable donations
Fraudulent investment opportunities
Price gouging
Contractor Fraud
Scammers may reach out via phone, text, mail, email, or even door-to-door visits, targeting residents in affected areas. For license verification of contractors soliciting business in your area, it’s suggested that you reach out to the following before any money trades hands:
Florida – Department of Business & Professional Regulation
North Carolina – Licensing Board for General Contractors
South Carolina – Contractors Licensing Board
Tennessee – The Board for Licensing Contractors
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