Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has received over 200 complaints about price gouging as residents prepared to evacuate from Hurricane Milton. Most complaints are related to fuel and water, with the top three counties being Highlands, Hillsborough, and Pinellas. Instances of price gouging for overnight accommodations have also been reported, such as an Airbnb listing for nearly $6,000 a night.
Moody extended Florida’s Price Gouging Hotline for Hurricane Milton, which was also in effect for Hurricane Helene. Violators of Florida’s price gouging law are subject to civil penalties of up to $25,000 for multiple violations in a single 24-hour period.
Attorneys general in several states have warned residents to be wary of scammers who may take advantage of natural disasters. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr advised people to watch out for home repair fraud, charity fraud, imposter scams, and price gouging. To avoid being scammed, experts recommend verifying the identity of individuals and being cautious of anyone requesting sensitive information or money.
Authorities in Hillsborough County provided tips on how to avoid falling for sham contractors, including getting written, itemized estimates for repairs, not paying the full cost upfront, and ensuring repairs are covered by insurance. Following these precautions can help prevent individuals from becoming victims of scammers in the aftermath of a natural disaster like Hurricane Milton.
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