The Miami-Dade County Consumer Services Department (CSD) advises residents to inform themselves about their rights as consumers as part of their preparation for the hurricane season. Consumers who are aware of their rights well in advance of any disaster, and of the scams which often follow in the wake of these events, will be better able to make informed choices.

Among the fraudulent practices consumers are urged to be wary of are price-gouging, home repair rip-offs, advance-fee loan scams and unnecessary water testing -- all of which typically occur after disasters strike.

Price-Gouging: Price-gouging on critical goods under emergency conditions is forbidden by law. Once a state of emergency is declared by the Governor, the Board of County Commissioners, the County Manager or the Director of the Miami-Dade Police Department, it becomes illegal to rent or sell essential commodities at grossly excessive prices. Essential commodities include food, water, ice, fuel and lumber. After a declared emergency, consumers who feel they have been cheated should document the incident and report it to the County's Answer Center by calling 311 as soon as possible.

Home Repairs: After a storm, consumers are cautioned to carefully check home repair businesses and contractors before engaging their services. Any contractor you hire should have a current Florida State or Miami-Dade County contractor's license. An occupational license is a business license and not a contractor's license. Know the difference and ask to see the business' contractor's license and references. Make certain that everything you discuss is written into a contract and that a completion date, material costs and permit fees are included.

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.

Door to Door Sales: There is a three-day buyer's right to cancel home solicitation sales of more than $25. A home solicitation is any sale which takes place in a location other than the seller's fixed place of business.

Water Testing Scams: Consumers should be on the lookout for unscrupulous water testing or water treatment offers. To sell products that consumers really do not need, dishonest businesses will misrepresent that the water supply may be affected by a natural disaster. Instead of relying on a sales pitch, follow the public advisories, which will be issued by such authorities as the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department and the Health Department.

Advance-Fee Loans: Advance-fee loan scams become popular in times of distress. Even if you're in a hurry to get a home repair loan, do not be tempted by the promise of a guaranteed loan in exchange for an up-front fee. These fees can be substantial, and there is a chance you may 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.

Charitable Solicitations: Often after a disaster strikes, con artists 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.

Phony Insurance Adjusters: You will likely be approached by persons claiming to be insurance adjusters, who will claim that they can expedite processing of claims for a fee. These phony insurance adjusters should be reported to the insurance company they claim to represent, as well as to the Department of Financial Services at 1-800-342-2762.