TIPS FOR AVOIDING PRICE GOUGING

Hurricane Supplies

• Insist on a receipt when purchasing supplies.

Home Repairs

• Be sure the home repair business has an occupational license and that the contractor has a current Florida State or Broward County contractor's license.
• Make certain that all arrangements including the completion date, material costs and permit fees are written into a contract.
• Never make a complete payment until all work is completed and you have been given releases of all liens by the contractor or business working on your property.
• Under Florida law, you have a three-day buyer's right to cancel a home improvement or repair contract which involves financing.
• Do not be tempted by the promise of a guaranteed home repair loan in exchange for an up-front fee (“advance fee loan”). These fees can be substantial and there is a chance you will never see this money again. While legitimate lending institutions may require a processing fee, they will not guarantee loan approvals or promise that bad credit will not stand in the way of an individual's chance to obtain a loan.

Door to
Door
Sales

• Home solicitation sales over $25, such as home improvement financing contracts, have a three-day buyer's right to cancel.
• A home solicitation is any sale which takes place in a location other than the seller's fixed place of business.

Water Testing Scams

• Be wary of water testing or water treatment offers following a disaster. Dishonest businesses may misrepresent the effects of a natural disaster on the water supply. Instead of relying on a sales pitch, follow public advisories that are issued by such authorities as the Broward County Environmental Services and the State of Florida Health Department.

Gasoline Prices

• Service stations are required to post gasoline prices on a primary sign.
• If the price advertised on the primary sign is different from the price at the pump then a supplemental sign must be placed on top of the pump detailing the price of the higher-priced fuel.

Charitable Solicitations

• In the wake of a disaster, con artists often solicit funds for charities which do not exist. Charitable organizations are required to be registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
• If you have questions about a charitable organization, check its registration with the Division of Consumer Services by calling 1-800-435-7352.