TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) are highlighting National Hurricane Preparedness Week by sharing tips to raise avoid consumer fraud scams surrounding natural disasters and best prepare for potential storms. National Hurricane Preparedness Week began May 1^st and ends May 7^th.

“With storms increasing in strength and frequency, it is more important than ever for Floridians to be prepared for hurricanes,” said Commissioner Fried. “This National Hurricane Preparedness Week, please take the time to make a plan with your family for what is expected to be an active hurricane season in 2022.”

Hurricane Fuel Plan Preparations:

FDACS recommends the following tips for hurricane preparedness, along with important fuel safety reminders:

• Keep all vehicles at least half full during hurricane season.
• Keep at least one vehicle filled with gasoline once the earliest predictions indicate a storm may threaten the state.
• Pre-purchase fuels (LP gas and gasoline) for generators at the start of hurricane season – properly stored fuels will last at least six months, and can be transferred into a vehicle for use should no emergency arise.
• Use gasoline fuel stabilizer to keep gasoline fresh and ready to use when it is needed.

Fuel Safety:

• Refill fuel containers on the ground, not in the truck bed or trunk.
• Transport and store fuel ONLY in appropriate containers – look for DOT approved containers that close tightly and do not leak.
• NEVER store or transport gasoline in milk jugs or open top containers.
• Store fuel in a safe and well-ventilated location.

Report Outages/Quality: To report fuel outages or quality issues before or after a hurricane, consumers should contact the department’s Division of Consumer Services at 1-800-HELP-FLA, 1-800-FL-AYUDA en Español, or FloridaConsumerHelp.com.

Consumer Anti-Fraud Tips

Clean-up and repair scams: After disasters, unlicensed contractors and scammers may appear with promises of quick repairs, clean-up, and debris removal. Some may demand upfront payment and not do the work, claim you’ll get a discount but quote outrageous prices, or lack needed skills. Before you do business with any company providing these services:

• Do your research: Ask for IDs, licenses, proof of insurance, and references. See if local contact information is on their trucks. Check with FDACS’ Division of Consumer Services for complaints.
• Get another estimate: Check if other companies offering similar services are providing quotes with comparable prices.
• Review contracts carefully: Ensure all promises a company makes are in writing and that you understand what you’re signing.
• Never use cash: Always pay with a check or a credit card and never make the final payment until the work is complete.

Imposter Scams: Imposter scams come in many varieties but often work the same way, a scammer pretends to be someone you trust and tries to convince you to send them money or personal information:

• Posing as government: Some scammers pretend to be government officials, inspectors, or utility workers who say immediate work is required. Always ask to see an ID. If anyone asks you for payment or your financial information, it’s a scam.
• No fees: Note that FEMA does not charge application fees. If someone wants money to help you qualify for FEMA funds, it may be a scam.

Job Scams: Scammers often advertise in the same places as real employers and job placement firms, but they lie about your chances of getting a job and often ask you to pay before you get one — which is a sure sign of a scam. Authentic resources to locate job opportunities after a disaster:

• CareerOneStop: Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, CareerOneStop lists hundreds of thousands of jobs.
• State and county offices: The state’s Jobs.MyFlorida.com site or Career Source Florida may have job listings.
• Colleges: College career service offices have helpful resources. If you’re not a current or former student, some schools may still let you access their job listing resources.

Rental Listing Scams: If you’re looking for a place to live, avoid anyone asking you to wire money or who asks for security deposits or rent before you’ve met or signed a lease.

• False listing: Some scammers hijack a real listing by changing the email address or other contact information and posting a modified ad. Try googling some the information in a listing to see where else it’s posted and if the contact information is the same.
• Verify addresses: Other scammers create listings for places that aren’t for rent or don’t even exist. Try searching the address and contact information provided to verify it’s legitimate.

Disaster Charity Scams: Scammers will often try to take advantage of the misfortune of others, including when disasters strike. Review FDACS consumer tips on donating wisely and avoiding charity scams.

What should consumers do?

• File a consumer complaint: To file a complaint, complete our online form or call 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832) en Español.
• Share your story: Share your story with friends and family or on social media to help others avoid falling victim.
• Review our consumer resources: Consumers can find helpful tips and recourse on our website: FloridaConsumerHelp.com.

Background: FDACS and the Division of Consumer Services is Florida’s state consumer protection agency, responsible for regulating charities, handling consumer complaints, and protecting against unfair and unsafe business practices. The Division regulates businesses including motor vehicle repair shops, pawnbrokers, health studios, travel sellers, intrastate movers, professional surveyors and mappers, sweepstakes/game promotions, and telemarketers.

–FDACS