NC Attorney General promises to 'prioritize' prosecuting post-Helene fraud, scams in WNC
WAYNESVILLE - After meeting with numerous Western North Carolina law enforcement officials in Waynesville April 14, N.C. Attorney General Jeff Jackson committed to prioritizing the prevention and prosecution of post-Tropical Storm Helene fraud and scams.
'In my office, we are going to prioritize any and all complaints coming out of Western North Carolina, whether it's on the consumer side or the civil side,' Jackson told members of the press.
Law enforcement leaders from over 14 different jurisdictions had a 'very productive and candid discussion' about emerging threats: some related to property crime, some are recovery-related scams, others are phone calls from people pretending to be law enforcement, Jackson said.
He emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for contractor fraud, property crime and scams related to Helene.
The types of scams have evolved over time, Jackson told the Citizen Times after the press conference. Immediately after the storm, his office's main concern was price gauging. As WNC now moves into the rebuilding phase, the focus has turned to contractor issues and property crimes, particularly on construction sites, Jackson said. His office has also received complaints of people claiming to have special access to Federal Emergency Management Assistance funds, which Jackson said to be 'extremely skeptical' of.
When it comes to contracting, Jackson advised residents to get multiple estimates, have a written contract and never pay the full quote upfront.
'If you end up paying someone and they don't show up, call the police. That's a crime,' Jackson said.
His office is also conducting multiple investigations into different scam calls and texts, from messages claiming someone owes toll fees to 'law enforcement spoofing' where a caller claims to be a specific law enforcement officer.
More: NC Attorney General warns against Helene-related scams, theft during Biltmore Village visit
'I think we are going to be making some announcements there shortly,' Jackson said.
Getting texts about tolls?: What is 'smishing'? FBI warns of scam texts impersonating NC Quick Pass
After a mass number of nonprofits sprung forth from Helene's devastation, Haywood County Sheriff Bill Wilke stressed the importance of being cautious of where donated money is going, particularly through GoFundMe.
'Law enforcement's ability to act on that is hampered simply because there are elements to a crime, like fraud and theft, that are difficult to prove through GoFundMe accounts,' Wilke said, pointing people toward 'well-established and long-established' nongovernmental organizations and nonprofits.
More contractor fraud: As trees crushed a WNC couple's home, a flock of 'vulture' Helene contractors arrived
Scams have become increasingly sophisticated, so law enforcement's response must match that, Jackson said. Agencies heavily rely on patterns established from the public's tips and complaints, he added.
Jackson's office launched a new initiative called 'Safe to Rebuild,' which provides a resource to prevent contracting fraud and other scams as well as how to file complaints at www.ncdoj.gov/safetorebuild. His office has a scam hotline at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM.
'This is what a united front looks like. … This doesn't happen every day,' Jackson said, gesturing to about 20 law enforcement personnel behind him. 'What we want to do is send a warning to criminals and a promise to citizens.'
Tips to avoid fraud: Here's how to avoid contractor fraud and charity home repair scams after any weather disaster
Beware of contractors who knock on your door offering services because they noticed your home or business is damaged or are already working in your area. This is a common tactic of scam artists.
FEMA does not approve, endorse, certify, or recommend any contractors, individuals or firms.
Do not hire a contractor who does not have a physical address or refuses to show ID.
Use a contractor who is backed by reliable references. The most reputable contractors have liability insurance, workers' compensation and are bonded.
Perform a quick Google search before hiring any contractor. Do they have a website? Have they scammed previous clients? Read any reviews.
Get a copy of your contract in writing from the contractor that includes the work to be done and, ideally, a completion date.
Check credentials with the N.C. Licensing Board for General Contractors. Any contractor taking jobs costing $40,000 is required to be licensed in North Carolina after a new statute law passed last year, increasing the cost threshold for requiring a license.
You may wish to request a copy of your contractor's Certificate of Insurance before they begin work, to ensure that the contractor is legitimate and that you will be covered if the contractor causes any damage to your home.
Ryley Ober is the Public Safety Reporter for Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at rober@gannett.com and follow her on Twitter @ryleyober
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: AG Jackson prioritizes mitigating post-Helene fraud during WNC visit
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