Attorney General Lynch warns RI consumers to beware of scams associated with Hurricane Earl

Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch today warned Rhode Island residents to avoid falling prey to scam artists seeking to profit from Hurricane Earl.

"With the potential for damage caused by the high winds and heavy rains that Hurricane Earl is forecast to bring to Rhode Island there's the certainty that scammers will take advantage of the situation and be out and about looking for people to victimize," Lynch said. "Whether canvassing for work in tree trimming or boarding up windows in advance of the storm or in cleaning up or repairing damages afterwards, unscrupulous con artists will be targeting people in their time of need. Be especially wary of door-to-door solicitors, anyone handing out flyers and anyone promising to speed up insurance and building permits."

Attorney General Lynch offers the following tips for avoiding being ripped off and victimized:

-Check out a contractor before signing a contract or turning over any money. Deal only with an established, reputable, local contractor. Check references. Check with the Rhode Island Contractors Board by calling 222-1268 to ensure that the contractor is appropriately licensed and registered.

- Ask for proof of insurance. Make sure the contractor carries general liability insurance and workers' compensation. If the contractor is not insured, you may be liable for accidents occuring on your property.

-Get it in writing! Get several written estimates for a job, and get a written contract detailing the work to be done, the cost, responsibility for permits and any other promises.

-Never pay large sums of money in advance. Never pay in cash. Scammers will take the money and run. If you have to make a partial advance payment for materials, make the check out to the supplier and the contractor or, better yet, pay with a credit card so that you may be able to receive back a disputed amount.

-Report any incidents of price gouging to my Consumer Protection Unit. Rhode Island has a law against price gouging that goes into effect when a state of emergency is declared by the state or federal government. Price gouging, by definition, means charging high prices that are not justified, and taking unfair advantage of disaster victims.

-Beware of online schemes and charity scams. In an effort to appear "legitimate" or to pose as a local contractor, con artists may set up websites. Other sites may ask for money to help flood victims, with the money going into their own pockets, rather than assisting flood victims.

-Talk to your insurance company, read your insurance policy, and contact our Consumer Protection Unit with any suspicions, problems, or help and advice.

Lynch's Consumer Protection Unit can be reached by phoning 274-4400, pressing "1" at the first prompt for English and "3" for Spanish, and then pressing "1" at the second prompt.

• Read More: Attorney General Advisory 3/31/2010
• For more information from The State of Rhode Island, please visit www.floodrecovery.ri.gov.
• For information regarding federal assistance, please visit www.disasterassistance.gov.

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