Hurricane season is upon us, and with it comes the increased risk of consumer fraud in Louisiana. According to Louisiana Attorney General Buddy Caldwell, hurricanes can cause more than just physical damage, as unscrupulous con-artists often try to capitalize on the misfortune of others.
When a state of emergency is declared, Louisiana laws against price gouging go into effect. Price gouging is when a seller prices merchandise much higher than is reasonable or fair. The price gouging statutes prohibit the raising of prices above the pre-emergency levels unless there is a national or regional market commodity shortage.
Caldwell warns that scams related to price gouging, home repair, and phony solicitations are likely to occur before and after a natural disaster. The Louisiana Attorney General’s Office will be taking consumer complaints and will have investigators in the field on the lookout for price gougers. Price gouging laws carry both civil and criminal penalties.
Contractor fraud is another common scam that occurs after a natural disaster. If your home is damaged, it’s essential to obtain more than one estimate for repairs and to check on the qualifications and credentials of anyone working on your home. You can contact local consumer agencies for reviews, and contact the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors to make sure the contractor is licensed and to see if the contractor has any complaints or violations on record.
Phony solicitations are also a significant concern during hurricane season. Scammers see hurricanes and other natural disasters as an opportunity to use phony solicitations to take advantage of both disaster victims and people who wish to make charitable donations to help out these victims. Scammers may pose as government agency employees or insurance adjusters, requesting personal identifying information, such as Social Security numbers and bank information.
To protect yourself from these scams, it’s crucial to be aware of the warning signs and to take steps to verify the authenticity of any solicitations or contractors. The Louisiana Attorney General’s Office provides resources and tips on how to avoid these scams and how to report any suspicious activity. By being informed and vigilant, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from the increased risk of consumer fraud during hurricane season.
In conclusion, hurricane season is a time of increased risk for consumer fraud in Louisiana. By understanding the common scams that occur during this time, such as price gouging, contractor fraud, and phony solicitations, you can take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. Remember to always be cautious and to verify the authenticity of any solicitations or contractors. If you suspect any fraudulent activity, report it to the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office immediately.
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Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Agency: Louisiana AG
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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