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Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone that was in the path of Helene and continues to feel the effects of her path of destruction. Our team members are working around the clock in order to help you get back on your feet. There’s no doubt that the road to recovery may be long. Many of our offices, like you have experienced power outages or phone outages. Rest assured, we’re here for you No Matter the Storm. If you’d like to file a claim and cannot get through to your local office, please call 855-432-2567 or visit www.gfbinsurance.com.

With all that is going on in the aftermath of Helene, one thing is certain you do not want to become a victim of a storm-related scam. Unfortunately, there are people out there that are looking to capitalize on your misfortune and Attorney General Chris Carr is warning all Georgians to be on the lookout for possible storm-related scams. “Unfortunately, criminals will often try to take advantage of those impacted by severe weather. Make sure you know how to spot and report a scam before turning over your hard-earned dollars and contact our Consumer Protection Division if you’re in need of assistance.”

Follow these tips to help avoid becoming a victim in the aftermath of Helene:

• Steer clear of any contractor who asks for full payment up-front or only accepts payment in cash or refuses to provide you with a written contract.
• Avoid door-to-door offers for home repair work. Instead ask friends and neighbors for referrals.
• Be skeptical of any contractor that offers to pay your insurance deductible or offers other no-cost incentives, as these can be signs of a scam. Always talk to your insurance company before committing to any storm-related repairs or inspections.
• Ask contractors for references and check them out.
• Check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if there are any complaints against the business.
• Ensure that the contractor has the required licensing and/or affiliation.
• Tree Removal: Check with the International Society of Arboriculture to make sure the person has a valid arborist license.
• Water Damage and Mold: Only hire businesses that are local and qualified in mold remediation and property restoration. To find local contractors and restorers, check with the Society of Cleaning and Restoration Technicians and the Restoration Industry Association.
• Contractors: General contractors, electricians, plumbers, and heating and air condition contractors must be licensed with the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office. To look up a contractor, visit sos.ga.gov. Please note that certain specialty occupations such as roofers, tree removal services, painters, drywall contractors and repair handymen are not required to be licensed by the state.

   

  Legitimate contractors should be able to provide the following:

• Business license
• General liability insurance
• Workers compensation insurance
• Written manufacturer warranties
• Written labor warranties

   

  Public adjusters are also required to carry a license to do work in Georgia. Before hiring a public adjuster to do any work on your behalf, call the Insurance Commissioner’s Office at 1-800-656-2298 to verify that he/she is licensed and that their contract has been approved.
  

  On September 24^th of this year Governor Brian Kemp issued a State of Emergency for all of Georgia. This Executive Order invokes the Price Gouging Statute. According to the Georgia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division, under this statute businesses may not sell any of the following goods or services at prices higher than the prices prior to the declaration of a state of emergency. Those items or services include:

• Food
• Lodging
• Gasoline, diesel fuel, or other petroleum products
• Propane gas
• Lumber and other supplies

   

  For more information about price gouging, visit the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division website.
  

  If you believe that you have been a victim of a scam or price gouging, contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 404-651-8600 or 1-800-869-1123 or file an online complaint here.
  

  If you believe a roofer or other contractor has committed insurance fraud, file a report with the Insurance Commissioner’s Office here or call 1-800-656-2298.   

   

   

  Content provided by Middle Georgia CEO and the Georgia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.