It's the third day of clean up and restoration crews are fanned out across neighborhoods that were damaged in Monday's flood.
But there's a warning from the county and city top prosecutors: watch out for scammers doing poor quality work and price gouging during the state of emergency.
Families have been tirelessly working to clean up from the destructive flood that ravaged their Mountain View neighborhood on Monday.
There have been volunteers showing up and others may be seen roaming the neighborhood looking for work.
We're Working for You to make sure you don't get scammed during this disaster.
“I see people bring their cards saying they can haul or if you guys need help let us know,” said a neighbor on 42nd Street.
What you should know
San Diego County District Attorney and San Diego City Attorneys are warning people before they hire anyone to do work to be vigilant.
“People who are coming to your door and handing you a business card, that's suspect,” said Mara Elliott, San Diego City Attorney.
CBS 8 spoke with Elliott who said any work over $500 will require a license. Elliot recommends:
- Ask for proof of licensing and Identification and verify on the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB).
- Ensure the contractor has liability insurance and workers compensation coverage. This can also be found on the CSLB
- Check for complaints on the CSLB and look at reviews not posted by the company such as the Better Business Bureau.
“We just really need to control our good hearts and situations like this,” said Elliot.
People should also ask where debris will be hauled to. The city says, if your stuff is dumped illegally and it can be traced back to you, you can be held responsible.
Elliott warns not to pay in full upfront. State law says that initial payment or deposit cannot be cannot be more than 10% of the job.
“Contractors will be contacting those who have been suffering and say, ‘we can build we can rebuild for you give us 10 days but give us that full deposit for the cost.’ That's a red flag right there,” said Elliott.
California has laws that will protect consumers during a state of emergency that includes gouging.
Prices and rates cannot go up more than ten percent on rental housing, motels, building materials, medical supplies, food gas and other essentials as well as towing and transportation which is already on Elliott's radar.
“We're seeing some concerns about how much the towing industry is charging, we're going to follow that and see if there is a trend there,” said Elliott.
She says most people are good but it's important in a moment of vulnerability that people keep their guard up.
It's not just flooding victims that can be taken advantage of. Donors also need to be careful about charities or crowdfunding sites.
Make sure they are legit and you know where the money is going by checking on Charity Navigator and Charity Watch.
If convicted of price gouging it can carry a year in jail and $10,000 fine.
Stephan and Elliott said they have not received official complaints, but Elliott is investigating stories of tow companies price gouging victims whose cars were damaged in the storm.
Elliott’s office is also one of four in the state that has an Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit that can prosecute on behalf of the state.
Resources
- To file a price gouging complaint call the City Attorney's Office at (619) 533-5800, or go online.
- You can also contact the San Diego District Attorney’s Office at (619) 531-3507 or online.
- California Attorney General’s Office
- California Department of Insurance or call Helpline at 1-800-927-HELP (4357)
- Check a contractor’s license at the California Contractor’s State Licensing Board (CSLB)
- File a complaint with the CSLB or call 1-800-321-2752
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