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TIPS FOR
AVOIDING PRICE GOUGING |
| Hurricane Supplies |
- Insist on a receipt when
purchasing supplies.
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| Home Repairs |
- Be sure the home repair
business has an occupational license and that the contractor has
a current Florida State or Broward County contractor's license.
- Make certain that all
arrangements including the completion date, material costs and
permit fees are written into a contract.
- 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.
- Do not be tempted by the
promise of a guaranteed home repair loan in exchange for an
up-front fee (“advance fee loan”). These fees can be substantial
and there is a chance you will 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.
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Door to
Door
Sales |
- Home solicitation sales over
$25, such as home improvement financing contracts, have a
three-day buyer's right to cancel.
- A home solicitation is any
sale which takes place in a location other than the seller's
fixed place of business.
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| Water Testing Scams |
- Be wary of water testing or
water treatment offers following a disaster. Dishonest
businesses may misrepresent the effects of a natural disaster on
the water supply. Instead of relying on a sales pitch, follow
public advisories that are issued by such authorities as the
Broward County Environmental Services and the State of Florida
Health Department.
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| Gasoline Prices |
- Service stations are required
to post gasoline prices on a primary sign.
- If the price advertised on the
primary sign is different from the price at the pump then a
supplemental sign must be placed on top of the pump detailing
the price of the higher-priced fuel.
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| Charitable
Solicitations |
- In the wake of a disaster, con
artists often 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.
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