23 Tips that Protect Seniors from Storm-Chasing Scammers

Senior Care in Clearwater, FL and Surrounding Areas

It’s been an exhausting and anxiety-ridden few weeks preparing for and enduring back-to-back hurricanes in the Pinellas and Pasco County areas. As a Certified Senior Care Advisor, I feel compelled to share 23 tips that protect seniors from storm-chasing scammers courtesy of My Florida Legal and Attorney General Ashley Moody.

AG Moody said, “As Floridians are recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, it is important to remain vigilant for scams and price gouging. Unfortunately, it is now when people are left vulnerable from a catastrophe that bad actors may swoop in to exploit Floridians with contractor fraud, debris-removal scams, and more. Please make sure that all services are legitimate before signing a contract—check out our Scams at a Glance: After the Storm resource for additional tips to avoid falling victim to disaster-related scams.”

Following natural disasters like Hurricanes Helene & Milton, qualified contractors are usually in high demand and become booked for months. Scammers or unqualified out-of-state workers may flood in to take advantage of Floridians in need of legitimate services. If property is damaged from the storm, follow these 23 tips when hiring a contractor:

• Have an insurance company evaluate damage before arranging repairs to ensure that the work will be covered under your policies
• Get at least three written, itemized estimates on bids or repairs
• Watch out for unsolicited offers or contractors claiming to perform repairs at a discount with leftover supplies from another job
• Research a company and its reputation—look for references online, or ask a friend
• Check to see if a company is properly licensed, and insured and if there are any consumer complaints filed against a licensed contractor at MyFloridaLicense.com
• Make sure a contractor is bonded and verified with a bonding agency
• Read the entire contract, including the fine print, before signing to ensure it includes the required buyer’s right to cancel language. Understand penalties that may be imposed for cancellation
• Insist on releases of any liens that could be placed on the property from all subcontractors prior to making final payments. Homeowners may unknowingly have liens placed against their properties by suppliers or subcontractors who did not get paid by the contractor. If the contractor fails to pay the homeowner, the liens will remain on the title
• Never pay the full amount of a repair expense upfront, and research the company thoroughly before providing large deposits
• Do not sign a certificate of completion or make final payment until satisfied with the work performed

The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers disaster relief to eligible victims through various programs. Scammers may pose as FEMA officials to prey on vulnerable Floridians after a storm. When seeking aid, consider the following:

• No state or federal disaster relief agency will call asking for personal information
• State and federal workers carry identification and will not ask for or accept cash
• Know that applications for FEMA relief programs are free and can be accessed at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1(800) 621-FEMA
• Beware of anyone who offers to fill out, assist with, or expedite an application as they may be seeking access to personal information

Water mains and personal wells can be affected during hurricanes. Dishonest companies and individuals may insist upon pricey tests to determine water safety. Avoid falling victim by following these tips:

• Ask for proof of identification if someone claims to be a representative of a city, county, or utility provider needing to inspect a water main or well
• Check for water safety alerts as provided by local media and utility providers
• Contact a local health or utility department if it is uncertain that water being used is safe. Seek advice from state or local health departments to determine what tests should be performed and to help find certified testers nearby
• If in doubt, boil water vigorously for one to three minutes—or drink bottled water

Heavy winds from hurricanes or tropical storms often result in littered roads and uprooted trees. If planning to request removals of fallen or nearby trees after a storm, follow these tips to avoid being conned:

• Watch out for anyone who approaches unsolicited about tree removal
• Get multiple written estimates and ask whether debris removal is included in the estimate
• Research a company thoroughly
• Check for proof of insurance and verify with the insurer that the policy is current
• Never pay the full amount upfront and do not make a final payment until completely satisfied with the work

Throughout the recovery from Hurricanes Helene & Milton, the statewide, non-emergency Elder Helpline has remained fully operational thanks to collaboration from the strong network of service providers. Operators are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to connect seniors with resources in their area. Please call 1-800-96-ELDER to speak with an operator for assistance.

Additionally, The Department has published a digital Disaster Resource Guide with detailed tips and resources specifically geared toward older Floridians, which can be found at https://elderaffairs.org/programs-services/disaster-preparedness

For seniors living alone who are unable to properly clean up after severe storms or hurricanes due to physical or mental constraints, and who have no family or friends around to help, I encourage you to utilize the resources provided by AG Moody and the Florida Department of Elder Affairs (FDEA). In addition, feel free to contact me because I may be able to connect you with trustworthy resources.

If you or a senior loved one would benefit from senior home care services by a licensed, bonded, and insured caregiver in the Pasco and Pinellas County areas, I offer a FREE Assessment to discuss specific needs. After our discussion, I will match the perfect compassionate caregiver who is ready, willing, and able to make life easier before, during, and after severe storms.

We, at Home Helpers® Clearwater, are honored to have been ranked among the Home Care Pulse Top 100 Leaders in Experience for home care providers and to have received these awards in 2024: Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice, the Best of Home Care® Employer of Choice, the Best of Home Care® Leader in Experience, as well as being named a Caring.com 2023 Caring Super Star.

We proudly serve male and female seniors in Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Dunedin, Holiday, Hudson, Largo, New Port Richey, Oldsmar, Palm Harbor, Port Richey, Safety Harbor, Saint Petersburg, Seminole, Tarpon Springs, Trinity, and surrounding areas. Home Helpers®…we are Making Life Easier® 727.942.2539

Sources:

My Florida Legal

Florida Department of Elder Affairs