Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry warns residents of contractor, SBA, and FEMA fraud related to Hurricane Ida.
The AG’s office says it has received several complaints of scams targeting Hurricane Ida victims as they try to rebuild after the storm.
Landry and U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana, Ellison Travis, urge anyone who feels they are a victim of storm-related fraud, to file a complaint with the National Center for Disaster Fraud.
The NCDF was established by the U.S. Department of Justice after Hurricane Katrina. It is a nationwide organization of law enforcement agents that further detects, investigates, and prosecutes those responsible for disaster-related fraud. The NCDF Hotline receives complaints and refers them to the appropriate federal, state, or local agency for investigation.
“Our office and the NCDF share a common aim to aggressively investigate, apprehend, and prosecute those who exploit calamity for personal reward,” said Attorney General Landry. “We stand united with our law enforcement partners to ensure victims of Hurricane Ida receive the help they need and do not fall prey to another tragedy.”
After a storm, fraudulent contractors will target their victims by promising to complete the work quickly while demanding upfront payment.
The AG’s office says you can avoid becoming a victim by never paying a contractor for work that has not been completed, hiring well-known local, asking your insurance claim adjuster to review a contract before you sign, asking for proof of liability insurance, and state license, and by never paying with cash.
If you have been the victim of any type of disaster fraud, then immediately file a complaint with the NCDF via phone at 866-720-5721 or online at www.justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm.
