Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Milton in Florida, officials are cautioning residents to be vigilant against scammers looking to take advantage of the situation. The Pinellas County Consumer Protection issued a public advisory urging people to exercise caution when hiring contractors for repair work.
The advisory specifically warned against 'fly-by-night' contractors who may take deposits but fail to complete the necessary repairs. Residents were advised to avoid dealing with individuals who solicit work door-to-door and to thoroughly vet any potential contractors before hiring them.
Authorities emphasized the importance of only working with licensed and insured contractors to ensure the quality and legitimacy of the services provided. They also cautioned against contractors who request advance payment or claim that certain repairs do not require permits.
In addition to warning residents about potential scams, officials also advised those looking to donate to relief efforts to be cautious. They recommended researching organizations before making contributions and not solely relying on the organization's name to determine its credibility.
Prospective donors were encouraged to ask for a charity's financial report to understand how donations are allocated between the cause and administrative costs.
As Florida continues to recover from the impact of Hurricane Milton, staying informed and vigilant against fraudulent activities is crucial for protecting both storm victims and those looking to offer support.
