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SCAMS / SPECIAL ALERTS

SOME LANDLORDS ACCUSED OF PRICE GOUGING EVACUEES

If you suspect landlords are price gouging you, contact the District Attorney's office at 1-800-927-HELP. The San Diego County Apartment Association is also helping evacuees find reasonably priced rentals. CLICK HERE >> for the full story.

D.A. WARNING ABOUT WILDFIRE SCAMS

The District Attorney's Office is offering tips on how not to fall victim to con artists and others trying to profit from wildfires and other disasters.

Click Here to read the District Attorney's Press Release >>

NEWS 8 CONSUMER ALERT: We saw it right after the Cedar Fire, and we're seeing it again. Scam artists are preying on fire victims who have lost everything. CLICK HERE >> for the full story.

TYPES OF SCAMS TO BE AWARE OF:

  • Charity scams, in which con artists solicit "donations" to aid fire services or victims. For tips on donating wisely, please visit www.charitynavigator.com

  • Debris-Clearing Scams. People will offer to remove debris from your property for significant deposits, then disappear with your money

  • 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 10 percent unless they can prove it was due to an increase in the supplier's price

  • Homeowners Insurance. If you believe your insurance company is not dealing with your claim properly, you may call the Department of Insurance Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-927-HELP;
    Do not have any work done until your insurance company inspects your property
  • Unscrupulous lenders. Avoid quick home equity loans without knowing who you are doing business with.

  • Water testing. Fraudulent firms might try to sell you overpriced or useless water-treatment devices by offering to test your water for free and then falsely declaring it to be unhealthful

  • Moving companies. Before signing a contract with a moving company, call the California Public Utilities Commission at 1-800-877-8867 to find out if the company is licensed

  • Contractors. They must be licensed. Contracting without a license during a declared state of emergency is a felony