Every named storm produces the same handful of schemes. They work because people are stressed, displaced, and making fast decisions about large amounts of money.
The recurring ones
- Upfront-deposit contractors. Take a large deposit, do little or nothing, disappear. See Hiring a Contractor After a Storm.
- Assignment of benefits pressure. "Sign this and we'll deal with your insurer." You sign away control of your claim, and you can end up liable for work you did not approve.
- Fake adjusters and fake inspectors. Anyone can print a card. Public adjusters must be licensed by the Florida DFS — verify at licenseesearch.fldfs.com.
- Government impersonation. People claiming to be FEMA, SBA or a county inspector, asking for a fee to "register" you for aid. FEMA does not charge an application fee.
- Debris-removal and tree-work fraud. Unsolicited crews demanding cash and leaving the work half done.
- Charity fraud. Fake relief funds. Donate to organisations you already know, or verify them.
- Insurance-premium and refund scams. Calls offering a "storm rebate" or demanding payment to keep coverage.
The rule that defeats most of them
Never pay a large sum up front, in cash, to someone who approached you. Verify the licence, verify the entity, get it in writing, and pay against progress.
Report it
- Contractor licensing — Florida DBPR
- Insurance and adjuster conduct — Florida Department of Financial Services consumer helpline
- General consumer fraud — Florida Attorney General, or your local sheriff
- Price gouging during a declared emergency — Florida Attorney General
General information. Report suspected fraud to the agencies above rather than confronting anyone.