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Attorney General Moody’s Week In Review
The 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins this weekend. To help Floridians get ready, I am releasing the latest edition of our Hurricane Preparedness Guide. The guide is full of tips and checklists to help better prepare you and your family for a hurricane, as well as, information to help consumers avoid price gouging and other disaster-related scams that unfortunately arise in the aftermath of destructive storms.
Florida has experienced back-to-back active hurricane seasons and the streak could continue. We cannot stop a natural disaster, but we can prepare for them. There is no time like the present to begin this process—especially since today marks the beginning of the 2019 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday.
The tax holiday lasts through June 6. Floridians should take advantage of the tax breaks now to save on storm-related items such as batteries, flashlights, radios, tie-down kits and more.
For more information on the sales tax holiday, click here.
Starting tomorrow, I will launch a week-long Twitter campaign to encourage Floridians to prepare and learn how to spot and avoid storm-related scams. You can follow the campaign online at Twitter.com/AGAshleyMoody.
You can also begin researching disaster-related safety tips and preparedness checklists right now in our newly-released guide by clicking, here.
I cannot urge you enough to prepare now. Know the best evacuation routes and gather nonperishable food and water. Stay safe out there, and we will all weather the storm together.
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Protecting Floridians
Attorney General Moody Encourages Students to Enjoy a Safe Summer Break
Attorney General Ashley Moody is encouraging Florida students and parents to take steps to ensure a safe summer break. Millions of Florida public school students start the longest school break of the year this week, providing opportunities for fun, family and relaxation, but also increasing the potential that students encounter dangerous situations.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “From synthetic drugs to online predators, the risks children face today are startling. As summer break begins, please speak to your children about the dangers of talking to strangers online and in public. Review apps, online games and social media accounts your child uses. Talk frequently to them about how using drugs, even once, can lead to a lifetime of addiction, incarceration or even death. Most importantly, be sure to regularly engage your child proactively by asking questions and listening. Encourage them to stay alert and away from situations that might put them at risk.” More.
CONSUMER ALERT: Imposter Scammers Use Spoofing to Steal SSNs
Attorney General Ashley Moody is issuing a Consumer Alert about a new twist on an old scam. Impersonating the Internal Revenue Service is a longstanding tactic used by scammers trying to coerce people to send money or provide sensitive financial information. Now, scammers are using robocalls and spoofing to impersonate the Social Security Administration to trick people into giving up Social Security numbers. The Federal Trade Commission reports a rise in the number of SSA imposter scams while IRS imposter scam reports are on the decline.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Scammers are using technology and tricks to steal your Social Security number. Never provide your SSN in response to a solicitation and don’t trust your caller ID. If you receive one of these calls, hang up the phone immediately and call my office at 1(866) 9NO-SCAM.” More.
Attorney General Moody Announces Claims Process for Price Gouged Consumers
Attorney General Ashley Moody is urging consumers that fell victim to price gouging by a Days Inn in Wildwood during Hurricane Irma to submit claims for restitution. As a result of the Attorney General’s action against the hotel, Wildwood Hotel Group, LLC d/b/a Days Inn Wildwood I-75, already issued restitution checks to consumers totaling $17,692. In addition, the Attorney General’s Office set up a claims process to provide refunds to other affected consumers with $15,000 in funds available. The deadline to submit a claim is Dec. 31, 2019.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Let this be a warning to any future price gougers. We take price gouging seriously. While price gouging violations often take time to investigate, we are committed to holding wrongdoers accountable. Taking advantage of fellow Floridians during a declared state of emergency is shameful, and I am glad that we are able to give eligible consumers affected by this hotel’s poor conduct the opportunity to receive restitution. If you were harmed by these illegal practices, please take advantage of this process and submit a claim to our office.” More.
Reminder: Refunds Still Available for Drivers Improperly Charged Toll and Car Rental Fees
Attorney General Ashley Moody is encouraging rental car customers improperly charged toll and PlatePass fees to file a refund claim before the July deadline. The claims process stems from a court enforceable settlement agreement between Attorney General Moody’s Office and Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. Consumers can apply for a refund of toll and PlatePass fees charged by the Dollar or Thrifty car rental companies for rentals occurring in Florida.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Floridians and visitors alike are eligible for refunds, but they must file a claim before the fast approaching deadline to qualify. I am encouraging any rental car customer who believes they were improperly charged toll and PlatePass fees in Florida to please fill out the claims form and submit it before the July 7 deadline.” More.
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