As the Gulf Coast braces for the height of hurricane season, Baldwin County Assistant District Attorney Kristi Hagood is issuing a warning to residents about the heightened risk of scams and fraudulent activities in the aftermath of major storms.

Following the chaos and damage of a hurricane, criminals often exploit vulnerable homeowners desperate for repairs and recovery.

In the wake of Hurricane Sally, Baldwin County saw a significant uptick in fraud cases, prompting District Attorney Robert E. Wilters to form a specialized task force. This team, including Hagood and other assistant district attorneys, focuses not only on prosecuting fraudsters but also on educating the public on preventative measures.

Home repair and construction fraud

Hagood highlighted that home repair fraud is particularly rampant after hurricanes, with unlicensed or unscrupulous contractors preying on those in urgent need of repairs. She advises residents to take the following precautions:

• Verify licensing: Engage only licensed and insured contractors. Verify their credentials through the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board at 800-304-0853 or via https://hblb.alabama.gov/. Hagood stresses that this step is crucial to ensuring the contractor's legitimacy and capability.
• Request and check references: Ask for references and verify them. Contact the Attorney General's Office and the Better Business Bureau to investigate any complaints filed against the contractor. This diligence can reveal patterns of poor performance or unethical behavior.
• Obtain written contracts: Ensure all agreements are documented in a detailed contract. This should include the contractor's license number, terms of guarantees and warranties, finance charges, and a clear payment schedule. Specific start and finish dates should also be outlined.
• Confirm insurance and permits: Ensure the contractor has adequate insurance, including workers' compensation. Insist that they apply for all necessary permits in their own name, confirming their accountability for the work.
• Use secure payment methods: Pay by check or credit card, retaining records of all transactions. Release the final payment only after all work is satisfactorily completed and all subcontractors are fully paid.

Risks of borrowed licenses

Hagood also warned against contractors using borrowed licenses, a common tactic to bypass the stringent requirements of obtaining their own. She explained that this practice allows unqualified individuals to perform work without the proper credentials, potentially leading to substandard repairs and legal complications for homeowners. Hagood recommends always confirming that a contractor holds a personal, valid license to ensure they meet all state and local requirements.

General precautions

In addition to construction fraud, Hagood outlines several other scams that residents should be wary of in the aftermath of a hurricane:

• Avoid door-to-door solicitors: Be cautious of contractors soliciting business door-to-door. Verify their credentials independently and avoid those claiming to be "FEMA-certified", as FEMA does not endorse contractors.
• Skepticism of limited-time offers: Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true or offers that are available only for a limited time. These are often tactics used to rush victims into hasty decisions.
• Validate business information: Ensure contractors have a verifiable business address and phone number. Established businesses with a solid local presence are typically more trustworthy.

Insurance fraud

In the aftermath of hurricanes, numerous automobiles and watercraft sustain damage, some of which may be concealed from potential buyers when these vehicles are resold. To mitigate the risk of purchasing a storm-damaged vehicle fraudulently, Hagood advises consumers to verify the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or Hull Identification Number (HIN) through the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) database. This free service is accessible to all consumers at www.nicb.org/vincheck. By following the on-screen instructions to query a VIN or HIN suspected of being associated with fraudulent activity, buyers can ensure they are making informed decisions and avoiding potential financial losses. If a match is found, individuals should promptly follow the instructions provided to report the information to the appropriate authorities.

Additional types of fraud

Hagood's office also provides guidance on avoiding various forms of fraud that can surface in the wake of hurricanes:

• Price gouging: According to Alabama law, when the governor declares a state of emergency it is illegal to increase prices by more than 25% above the average cost prior to the storm. Residents should report any suspected price gouging to local authorities. Hagood notes that price gouging not only exploits residents but can significantly hinder recovery efforts.
• Charity scams: Verify the legitimacy of charities before making donations. Do not provide personal financial information to telephone solicitors or in response to email requests. Donations should be made via check or money order directly to the charity. Hagood emphasizes checking the charity's credentials through the IRS at www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits.
• Debris removal scams: Be aware that roadside debris removal services should not enter private property. Hagood advises that any legitimate service should be vetted before allowing them access to personal property.
• Rental listing scams: In the rush to find housing post-disaster, rental scams can be prevalent. Always inspect the property in person before making any payments and be cautious of offers significantly below market value. Legitimate prepaid rental services should provide written contracts, which state law usually requires.
• Fake disaster officials: Always verify the identity of individuals claiming to be disaster officials or utility workers. Some scammers pose as government representatives to gain access to personal information or property. Hagood warns residents to ask for proper identification and confirm their affiliation independently. Another thing to look out for is if someone comes to your residence and you go outside to speak to them, make sure you lock your door so that someone else does not go inside while you are distracted.
  

Looting

Alabama law states that looting occurs when individuals unlawfully enter a building or property during a state of emergency and take control of, damage or remove property without authorization. Hagood urges residents to report suspected looting to local law enforcement immediately.

Identity theft

Post-hurricane periods can also be a fertile ground for identity theft and insurance fraud. Hagood urges residents to refrain from disclosing account numbers, Social Security numbers or any identification details to strangers, whether in person, over the phone or online. She also recommends to keep your Social Security card and other sensitive documents in a secure location. Exercise caution when sharing personal details on social media platforms and avoid using easily guessable passwords.

Hagood also emphasized that identity thieves may not always be strangers and could be neighbors, friends or even family members.

Another thing to keep in mind is check washing. Hagood advised that individuals paying bills by check should take precautions, such as mailing items directly at the post office rather than leaving envelopes in home mailboxes. According to Hagood, do not trust the blue box outside of your post office. She warned that check washing crimes occur when people steal from mailboxes, enabling them to alter checks by washing off names and amounts or copying routing and account numbers to produce counterfeit checks using the victim's account.

Hagood also stressed the importance of monitoring bank accounts and credit card statements regularly. Detecting fraudulent activity early can facilitate easier recovery of funds and mitigate potential liability for incurred debts.

Another precaution Hagood recommends to prevent identity theft is for people to freeze their credit. Anyone can contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) and have their credit frozen.

Another thing to look out for, according to Hagood, is to be mindful of who you let borrow your phone if you have apps like PayPal, Cash App, banking apps or even apps that store your credit or debit card information. Some cases of identity theft originate from the apps and data stores on our phone.

If you believe your identity has been stolen, Hagood recommends taking the following steps:

1. Notify financial institutions: Immediately contact your banks and credit card companies to report the identity theft.
2. Alert credit bureaus: Contact the three major credit bureaus to request a fraud alert or credit freeze on your accounts. Include a contact phone number in these alerts to enable direct communication with creditors if suspicious activity occurs.
3. File a police report: Report the identity theft to your local law enforcement agency. A police report is essential for documenting the crime and assisting in investigations.
4. Submit an identity theft affidavit: Complete the identity theft affidavit available through the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) either online at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov or by calling 1-877-ID-THEFT. This information is crucial for law enforcement agencies investigating identity theft cases.
5. Monitor financial accounts: Regularly review your financial statements and credit reports to detect unauthorized transactions or accounts opened in your name.

Hagood emphasized that implementing these proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to identity theft, particularly during times of heightened vulnerability such as post-disaster recovery periods.

In addition to these tips, Baldwin County has set up multiple resources to aid residents in navigating post-hurricane recovery and avoiding fraud. The Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) offers updated information on recovery efforts and safety tips through their website at www.baldwincountyal.gov/departments/emergency-management-agency and social media platforms.

After a hurricane, there is enough damage to worry about without the added stress of scams and fraud. These guidelines can help you stay vigilant and protect yourself and your community in the event of a hurricane or other natural disaster. Make sure to pick up a copy of Stay Alert, Baldwin for more information on how you can prepare for hurricanes and other weather disasters. Copies are located in free racks across Baldwin County and at our office or can be read online at www.gulfcoastmedia.com/magazines.