Beware of Scams Following Fires
San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie M. Dumanis is warning residents about scams and price gouging in the wake of Firestorm 2007. "Unfortunately, some individuals use this time of crisis to take advantage of others," says DA Dumanis. "We want people to know the consumer rights and legal protections that are in place as they begin to rebuild their lives."
The District Attorney's Office is warning residents to be aware of the following:
Debris-clearing scams
There are individuals who will offer to remove debris from your property, ask for significant deposits, and then disappear with your money. Sometimes, they move debris but dump it on a neighbor's property, or a park or playground. You may be responsible for the costs of removal and any penalties attached. Be sure you know where the debris is being taken and provide payment only after the job is completed.
Price gouging
After the Governor declares a state of emergency, it is illegal for businesses to increase prices of essential goods and services by more than ten percent unless they can prove it was due to an increase in their supplier's price. The prohibition on price gouging after a disaster applies to consumer food and services, goods or services used for emergency cleanup, supplies, medical supplies, home heating oil, building materials, housing, transportation, freight and storage services, and gasoline or other motor fuels.
In addition, it is a misdemeanor during 30 days following the state of emergency proclamation for a hotel or motel to increase regular rates.
You can report price gouging to the Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-952-5225.
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Damage Assesment Capabilities
As an alternative to both the insurers damage assesment and that of an expensive public adjuster you can hire a certified appraiser who will provide an unbiased damage assesment that you can subsequently use as a bid scope to obtain contractor pricing and as a negotiating tool.
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