Avoiding financial ruin, scams if Idalia damages your home

AUGUSTA, Ga. - With Hurricane Idalia headed for the CSRA, now would be a good time to take an inventory of your belongings, Georgia and South Carolina officials say.

Although it will have weakened to a tropical storm by the time it reaches our region, it still brings a risk of heavy rain and flooding Wednesday and Thursday.

Georgia Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner John King says you should take inventory of your property in case you have to report any damage.

Know your insurance coverage ahead of the storm and research whether your policies cover temporary shelter, replacement clothing or other items.

Take lots of photos of your possessions and make a list. You want to make sure you can prove you had these items before the storm, he says.

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King says it is not a bad idea to reach out to your insurance agent now ahead of the storm to go over your policy and what is or is not covered.

Stay connected with them so if you do have to file a claim you’re familiar with your agent.

“The before and after pictures are incredibly important. Any receipts. Don’t do any major construction or repairs, do just enough repairs to prevent any further damage but don’t get into any major repairs until you have talked to your agent,” John King said.

King says it is too late for flood insurance you need 30 days for those policies, but home insurance is effective immediately.

Beware of scammers who will pose as contractors or tree removal services that are working with insurance companies.

Try to use local contractors and know that of the insurance and safety fire office are credentialed and uniformed.

Meanwhile, the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs is urging consumers to take these steps as Idalia approaches:

• Organize your finances. Collect your most recent financial and identification documents and keep them in a safe, dry place. Be prepared to take them with you.
• Be on the lookout for price gouging. Report excessively priced items like food, gas and lodging to local police and the Office of the Attorney General. Email reports to [email protected], or call 803-737-3953. For more information, see the attorney general’s webpage on price gouging.
• Watch for government imposters. Some scammers will travel to disaster areas acting as government employees. Don’t be afraid to ask for identification. Don’t be afraid to cut off with someone who is asking for personal identifying information like your Social Security number or financial information. When possible, call the government agency directly to ask for help or more information.
• Research to find a real charity that needs help. Be suspicious of groups that approach you for donations or seem to appear out of nowhere. Do not assume a charity is legitimate based on its name; some fake charities use names that sound or look like those of well-known organizations. Research a charity before giving by visiting the SC Secretary of State’s Office at www.sos.sc.gov to search a charity by name or call 888-242-7484.
• Do not send uncommon forms of payment. If someone is requesting you donate by gift card, cryptocurrency or wire transfer, this is a sign of a scam. The safest ways to donate money are credit card and check. If paying by check, write the official name of the charity on your check.
• Report disaster scams. If you encounter a disaster scam, you can report it to SCDCA by visiting the Scams webpage or calling 844-835-5322.

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