Beware of hurricane scammers

Don’t get scammed.

That's the message that local government officials want to get out to residents and business owners who are trying to recover from the mess and damages caused throughout Central Florida by Hurricane Irma.

Hurricane Irma damage

With so many blown-down trees, torn off roofs and other problems caused by the hurricane’s gale-force winds, Orlando is a target rich environment for scammers masquerading as contractors.

Frequently people who are not licensed will offer to do the work at a price lower than a licensed contractor. Then they either will do a bad job, or will take money for work and never come back to do the job.

The officials warn that consumers should only deal with state-licensed contractors because they have proven competence they know how to do the work to acceptable standards in compliance with state regulations. Licensed contractors will also get the appropriate permits to do the work. Unlicensed contractors will tell you to get the permits.

It also means that they are insured. If you hire an unlicensed contractor to work on your property and that person gets hurt, you could be liable to pay for that person’s hospital bills and other expenses.

In addition, after past storms people who claimed they were contractors talked their way into homes and stole property.

To check if a contractor is properly licensed in Florida, click here.

For more news, click here.