Contractor scam red flags after a hurricane

After a hurricane, be wary of contractors who want full payment or cash up front, pressure you door to door to sign today, can't show a license or written estimate, or claim to work for FEMA. FEMA never charges to apply or inspect. Check licenses with your state and report price gouging to your attorney general.

Updated Oct. 9, 2026, 10 p.m. EDT · Sources linked throughout

Information may be delayed or incomplete. Always verify with official sources and follow local officials.

• Full payment up front, or cash only
• Door-to-door pressure to sign today
• No written estimate, no license number, no proof of insurance
• Asks you to sign over your insurance benefits
• Says they work for FEMA or the government and asks for a fee. FEMA never charges to apply or for an inspection (FEMA).

Florida licenses can be checked at myfloridalicense.com. Report price gouging to the Florida Attorney General (1-866-966-7226), the Alabama Attorney General or the Mississippi Attorney General.

Print the after-the-storm checklist