BOONE, N.C. — North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson made a stop in Watauga County on Tuesday.
He shared resources to help North Carolinians and small businesses avoid scams and fraud as they rebuild after Hurricane Helene.
Jackson launched an initiative to protect homeowners and help rebuild after Helene tore through western North Carolina last fall.
The Safe to Rebuild initiative aims to deter property theft and help repair homes and businesses after the storm.
The attorney general said anyone who tries to steal property or rip off homeowners is ‘going to face the consequences.’
Jackson warned about contractors taking advantage of people during the recovery.
Officials also discussed the possibility of people impersonating those who are here trying to help.
“Folks holding themselves out as government officials, sometimes as law enforcement,” Jackson said. “Sometimes acting like they have access to special money like FEMA money.”
They are reminding people of the importance of getting multiple estimates for repair work, ensuring it’s in writing, and never making full payments up front.
Joanna Shore lives next to her mom. During the storm, her car flooded, and she watched as neighbors lost much of what they owned.
She couldn’t believe someone would target her community.
“I think it’s terrible, especially at a time like this when we need to be together and helping each other,” she said.
Click here if you need to file a complaint.
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