TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) - Ahead of the Hurricane Matthew, Attorney General Pam Bondi has reminded residents to watch out for deals that are too good to be true.
Bondi has activated the state's price gouging hotline following Governor Rick Scott's declaration of a state of emergency. During a declared state of emergency, businesses can not drastically increase prices on essential commodities like food, gas, water, and hotel rooms.
Bondi said that scam artists tend to prey on the good will of Floridians during times of disaster and recommended that people always check out charities or crowd sourcing websites before donating any money.
"So many good people in our country want to help, and want to give, and want to do the right thing. Sadly, there are scammers out there. They are going to take advantage of any crisis, when anyone is in a time of need," said Bondi.
She also said that officials in the Sunshine State will be on the look out for anyone attempting to profit from a state of emergency.
She said, "Scammers need to know, right now, that we are under a state of emergency in our entire state, and we are going to be looking out for our citizens."
Florida officials have also warned citizens to be aware of businesses asking for up-front payments to prepare their homes for a storm or make repairs afterward because these also may be scams.
