In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on the Tampa Bay area, local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant against potential scams targeting storm victims.
The Pinellas County Consumer Protection Office has issued a comprehensive set of guidelines to help homeowners avoid falling prey to fraudulent contractors and other post-disaster schemes. As residents begin the arduous process of rebuilding, Consumer Protection officials warn of several common tactics employed by unscrupulous individuals, including door-to-door solicitations from unfamiliar contractors, demands for full payment upfront or claims that extensive repairs don’t require permits.
“Consumer Protection is committed to protecting our county’s consumers from post-disaster impacts due to Hurricane Helene, ” said Doug Templeton, Pinellas County Consumer Protection Chief Investigator. “Unlicensed contracting is a crime. Don’t become a victim of fraud or poor workmanship by hiring an unlicensed home repair contractor. If you have questions, we’re here to help.”
Templeton added that consumers should watch out for “fly-by-night” contractors who take deposits and do little or no work. Keep tabs on any contractors hired and only pay for work upon completion or as the project progresses.
To ensure repairs are completed satisfactorily and legally, homeowners are advised to:
- Only work with licensed and insured contractors
- Verify contractor credentials through official channels
- Insist on detailed written contracts
- Obtain proof of payment for all work completed
- Require final affidavits indicating all subcontractors and suppliers have been paid
- Ensure all work passes official inspections before making final payments
The the license status of state-certified contractors can be verified online at myfloridalicense.com. A list of PCCLB-licensed, qualified and insured contractors can also be found online using the Contractor Search feature.
In the wake of the storm, Florida’s Disaster Contractors Network (DCN) has been activated to support homeowners who may need help with emergency home repairs. The DCN is a free resource founded by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) designed to connect homeowners with licensed contractors and suppliers to perform emergency repairs.