Several state and federal agencies have issued warnings about Helene recovery scams and have given advice on how to avoid becoming a victim yourself.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), the state attorney general’s office and the state department of commerce and insurance (TDIC) are among those warning people about the potential for scams targeting those recovering from Helene.
“We can expect to hear about an uptick in scams targeting flood victims and those trying to do the right thing to help,” TBI director David Rausch said in a Thursday press release. “Now is the time to work together to make sure every dollar and every donation goes to help those who need it most and take our first steps toward recovery.”
Attorney general Jonathan Skrmetti issued a warning to scammers and price gougers on Tuesday, stating that his office would not hesitate to enforce consumer protection laws against bad actors attempting to profit off those recovering from Helene’s devastation.
The attorney general’s division of consumer affairs shared some tips to avoid getting scammed:
Avoid price gouging: The attorney general’s office reminded Tennesseans that bad actors sometimes unreasonably raise the prices of essential goods even though state law prohibits the unreasonable raising of prices or restricting of supplies of essential goods and services in direct response to a natural disaster. It is also illegal for businesses to charge a grossly excessive price for repair or construction services, emergency supplies, medical supplies, consumer food items, building materials, gas, transportation and freight services, housing and temporary healthcare staffing.
Avoid fake charities: The attorney general’s office encouraged research into any charity before donating. You can research organizations at give.org, charitynavigator.org and charitywatch.org. Additionally, all charities in the state of Tennessee are required to be licenesed. You can search the name of any charity here.
Submit a complaint: If you find yourself a victim of a scam, you can call the state’s division of consumer affairs at 615-741-4737 or submit a complaint online here.
TDIC also recommended that before hiring a contractor, one should research them. Contractors are required by law to be licensed by the state board for licensing contractors. You can ask any contractor offering service to provide the name they used to register with the board. You can also look contractors up and make sure that they are properly insured here.
Another tool recommended by the TDIC included searching the contractor’s name online along with keywords like “scam,” “review,” or “complaints” and reviewing the search results. For a more in-depth search, you can review the Better Business Bureau’s website for complaints and rating information about a contractor’s company.
Further, TDIC added that home improvement contractors in the state are generally prohibited from charging more than one-third of the contract price for a deposit, save in certain situations. Home-improvement contractors are also required to provide a written contract with the names of all parties involved, the nature of the work being completed, the amount being paid and when the work would begin.
If insurance is helping pay for repairs, TDIC suggested avoiding signing the entire insurance check or claim to the contractor before the work is completed. That way, the contractor completed the work and you have a chance to give final approval.
When applying for home repair assistance, federal, state and not-for-profit agencies do not solicit, nor do they accept, funds as a condition of emergency aid. TDIC said that you can sub,it the application for emergency assistance yourself and are not required to pay a company to help you with your application for aid.
More things to know when hiring a contractor, from the TDIC:
When the total cost of a project exceeds $25,000, a contractor’s license is required.
When the total cost of a project is less than $35,000, you can check with your area codes office to confirm whether a contractor needs a state or local license to conduct home-improvement work. Additionally, check permit requirements for any necessary inspections.
Get multiple bids and check multiple references before committing to a contractor.
Be cautious of door-to-door repair sales from contractors, especially if they ask to receive upfront payment or offer steep discounts.
Ask any company who promises to remove debris from a property to list the services they say they will provide in writing. Make sure that the contract provides for you to make an inspection and approve the work before final payment.
Commissioner Carter Lawrence requested that all insurance carriers give affected Tennesseans a 60-day grace period where insurance policies cannot be cancelled due to nonpayment and allow for policyholders to voluntarily enter payment plans. Further, Lawrence requested that policyholders be able to request duplicate copies of their insurance policies at no additional costs. Additionally, Lawrence requested that providers allow for one early or replacement prescription refill per medication.
“On behalf of the entire TDCI team, I want to express our prayers and support for the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, homes, and property in the wake of Hurricane Helene’s massive devastation. I also want to share our deepest support for the first responders who put themselves in harm’s way in order to help save lives in their communities,” Lawrence said in the Thursday press release. “While storms like Helene will test our resilience and strength, I have seen how Tennesseans embody the spirit of the ‘Volunteer State’ by helping their neighbors any way they can during emergencies. I believe that we will emerge stronger and closer to one another as we rebuild and recover.”
Federal agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), have also warned about scams in the wake of Helene. The Federal Trade Commission also issued a consumer alert on Tuesday, cautioning people against scammers impersonating officials “like safety inspectors.”
To file any complaints about a contractor, follow this link. If you have a tip about allegations of criminal conduct, including fraudulent recovery schemes, related to the relief effort, you can email tips directly to the TBI or call 1-800-TBI-FIND (1-800-824-3463).