Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has received over 200 complaints of price gouging as residents evacuate ahead of Hurricane Milton. The complaints are mainly about fuel and water, with top counties being Highlands, Hillsborough, and Pinellas. Moody’s team is addressing instances of price gouging, including one Airbnb listing for $6,000 a night in Tallahassee. The state of emergency prohibits price gouging for essentials like equipment, food, and lodging, with violators facing penalties of up to $25,000 for multiple violations.
As Hurricane Milton approaches, the National Hurricane Center warns of damaging winds, storm surge, and heavy rainfall. Scammers are already targeting storm survivors, prompting warnings from attorneys general in various states. Tips to avoid fraud include verifying identities, getting written estimates for repairs, and not paying for repairs upfront. Authorities in Hillsborough County have issued guidelines to avoid falling for scam contractors, emphasizing the adage “if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.”
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, which hit six states, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr advised vigilance against home repair fraud, imposter scams, and price gouging. As Florida prepares for Hurricane Milton, residents are urged to be cautious and report any suspicious activity to prevent falling victim to scammers looking to exploit the aftermath of natural disasters.
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