That scam occurred on East Fourteenth Street when a homeowner discovered someone cutting trees in their yard. The person cutting the trees, described only as a white male, demanded $145 from the homeowner. The homeowner refused to pay the money and the person left. “They recognized him for what he was trying to do,” Jackson said.
The North Carolina Consumer Protection Division will investigate price gouging, Jackson said.
Price gouging investigations are enforced throughout the chain, from the manufacturer to the distributor. “The Attorney General’s office can put a stop to price gouging in the counties impacted by the storm.”
Jackson said there is a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for each violation.
The Attorney General’s office wants to know about price gouging during states of emergency, Jackson said. “They will compare prices to what it was before the declaration and after. If a piece of plywood is $15 before the storm and $30 after the storm you know something is wrong.”
Jackson said be wary if a contractor asks for cash or asks for cash in advance. “Most reputable companies take checks. If the deal sounds too good to be true it probably is. If the price quoted seems too low the quality of work is probably low.”
Look for unmarked vehicles and out of states tags. Jackson said people who are suspicious can check with the city’s Planning Department or check with businesses which deal with contractors such as ProBuild or Lowe’s. “Call our local contractors and get bids. We have plenty of local contractors who do great work.”
Jackson said homeowners should contact their insuance company to get a claims adjustor. The adjustor many times can recommend a contractor. "It doesn't to get a couple of different estimates from more than one contractor."
He said to make sure the contractors are bonded and insured and never pay for repairs in full until the work is complete. "Be aware of the storm chasers who prey on victims from hard hit storm areas trying to make an easy buck."
The police department is reporting scams and price gouging to the Attorney General’s office.
They can be reported by calling 1-877-NO-SCAM.
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