Hey don’t be a fool and get caught up being a victim of Scams out there. Read carefully the latest on Scams below.
Scammers are notorious for plying their deadly trade prior to and after a disaster. Floridians are especially vulnerable and often targeted; especially during the hurricane season. According to a September 12, 2017 article in the Washington Post (https://www.washingtonpost.com) Florida has 1,600 mobile home communities and 828000 mobile homes – and less than one-third were built to survive a hurricane. Pulling this thread even further, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), mobile homes in Florida are safe, but only if they were built to code and are properly secured.
Tactics scammers often use during emergencies:
Scammers showing up unannounced (I was in the neighborhood)
Scammers claiming they don’t need to be licensed. In Florida most contractors require a license. Further information can be found at – myfloridalicense.com.
Scammers promising a discount, but only if you sign a contract right away.
Scammers telling you to sign over your insurance check.
Scammers asking you to pay up front.
Scammers insisting you pay by wire transfer, gift card, payment app, cryptocurrency or in cash.
Scammers asking you to sign a “blank contract.”
Scammers suggesting you borrow money from a lender they know.
Scammers claiming they can help you qualify for FEMA relief ― for a fee.
Contractor scam avoidance tips:
Always be skeptical of scammers who often pretend to be someone you trust, like a family member, government official, or company you think you know.
Always be skeptical of scammers who pressure you.
Always be skeptical of unrealistic work-related estimates.
Always verify a contractor’s experience, references, licensing, and insurance coverage.
Always be skeptical of contractors who refuse to furnish their website address, business card, e-mail address, business and mobile telephone numbers.
Always be skeptical of a contractor who claims that they know what your insurance will and/or will not cover
Always check with the Better Business Bureau
Always consider using referral agencies such as Angi’s list, etc.
Never pay up front for services.
Always obtain multiple work estimates from different contractors.
Always obtain a written contract and make sure that the contract does not contain any blank spaces.
Always read all contracts carefully before signing them.
Always ask for detailed descriptions of all repairs to be done, including materials, model numbers, etc.?
Always pay by check or credit card.
Always try to work with local business in your immediate area.
Always avoid sharing personal confidential information if possible.
Always ascertain whether building permits are needed and who will be obtaining them?
Always ascertain project start and a completion dates?
Always ascertain whether sub-contractors will be used – and whether the primary contractor will be responsible for all sub-contractor’s work?
Ascertain project cancellation specifics.
Always obtain work-related photographs.
Always save all project documentation (brochures, photos, business cards, etc.) for future reference.
General scam avoidance tips:
Fraud scam prevention advocates suggest that one of the best ways to avoid being scammed is to trust your first impressions and follow your instincts. Scammers know that Florida is the mobile home capital of the country and that mobile haciendas are more prone to external and internal storm-related damage. One of the most effective strategies to curtail this weather-related thievery spiral is to always stay up-to-date on scams happening in and around your community. Loging onto the Federal Emergency Management Agency website (https://www.fema.gov/) — “Rumor Control Page” is where this information can be found.
Conclusion:
It is said that “out of need springs desire, out of desire, springs innovation”. Scam prevention begins with four basic principles:
Never blindly trust, without verifying.
If it defies logic, don’t engage.
Always follow your instincts.
Consider following some of the scam prevention tips offered herein.
Since fraudsters and crooks take advantage of dire times to scam the anxious, it’s imperative that we seize the moment and stop these miscreants dead in their tracks. As Walt Disney was quoted as saying “The way to get started is to stop talking, and start doing”. The best day to begin; is any day that ends in a “Y”!
Important Website Addresses:
Contractor Licensing – Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (www.myfloridalicense.com)
Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org)
About the author
Anthony J. Luizzo, PHD, CFE is a published author and a former detective specialist with the New York City Police Department’s Crime Prevention Division. Doctor Luizzo is a volunteer Investigative sleuth / lecturer with the Seniors vs Crime Project (a special program of the Florida Attorney General’s Office) — Volusia County office.
