In the aftermath of Hurricane Francine, Attorney General Liz Murrill discusses common post-storm issues, particularly fraud and the need for legal assistance. She highlights the prevalence of fraudulent contractors who exploit the situation by offering services like roofing and tree cutting. Murrill advises residents to be cautious, check references, verify licenses, and avoid large upfront payments. She emphasizes the importance of written contracts and using traceable payment methods like credit cards or checks.
Murrill also warns about individuals posing as officials, noting that real public officials will never ask for money or personal information. She advises residents to be wary of anyone claiming to be from FEMA or other agencies, especially if they request payment or personal details. Genuine FEMA officials will schedule specific appointments and will not show up unannounced.
Another concern is fake charities that emerge after disasters, seeking to exploit people’s generosity. Murrill recommends donating to well-known, vetted organizations like the United Way and the Red Cross, which work closely with public officials during disaster responses.
Regarding price gouging, Murrill notes that it has not been a significant issue following this storm, likely due to the rapid movement of the storm and the availability of supplies. She mentions that price gouging typically occurs when there is a scarcity of resources, which was not the case this time.
Murrill also participated in a helicopter ride to assess the damage, although specific details of the assessment were not provided in the conversation. The overall message is one of vigilance and caution, urging residents to be aware of potential scams and to take steps to protect themselves in the post-storm recovery period.