As almost the entire state of Florida starts rebuilding in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma's landfall, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is warning those in impacted areas to guard against price gouging, contracting scams and looting.
Bondi noted that, even before Irma left Florida, her office had heard reports of looting, robbery, and price-gouging.
Bondi called the behavior disgraceful, and promised that the full weight of her office would land on the backs of anyone attempting to take advantage.
"This is disgraceful and anyone who steals from Floridians in this time of crisis will be caught and prosecuted," she said.
The state of emergency is still in effect for Florida, and that means Florida’s price gouging law still applies to anyone who sells essential commodities or provides essential services to consumers.
Bondi's office said it anticipates an uptick in price gouging complaints and complaints about unscrupulous contractors and charities post-Irma, especially tree service scams, building and home repair scams, disaster relief scams, and water testing and treatment scams.
After a natural disaster, Bondi's office said consumers should be wary of these scams, and any other deal that sounds too good to be true.
If you suspect criminal activity such as looting, robbery or any violent crime, call 911 immediately.
Bondi's office says if you suspect any kind of scamming activity, get in touch with her office right away.
Her office encourages people to report any suspected scams to them by calling (866) 9NO-SCAM.
If you cannot get a live operator file a complaint online at MyFloridaLegal.com.