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Preparedness Workbooks

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Information and Resources to Prepare for Hurricane Sandy 

As Vermont knows all too well a powerful tropical storm or hurricane touching down on our soil can cause unprecedented damage.  Weather reports have indicated that Hurricane Sandy may touch down in Vermont next week.  Be prepared before the storm hits by being knowledgable about the resources and the information available to you.  The links along the sidebar are resources for disaster recovery.  For consumer information, questions or concerns about transactions with businesses and consumer fraud, email CAP or call 800-649-2424.  For other assistance, call 2-1-1.

Scams can take many forms, here are some areas to watch:

Avoid and Report Home Improvement Fraud

Workers without business credentials soliciting consumers at their home that may offer to restore damages immediately.  They require an upfront payment and then never return to do the work. Always check out a business, get contracts in writing, and do not pay in full in advance.  For more information on how to avoid Home Improvement Fraud, visit our Home Improvement FAQ's page, or email us for more information.  To report Home Improvement Fraud, contact your local law enforcement agency or file a complaint with CAP.

Phony Relief Help scams

Beware of "FEMA" scams.  These include fraudulent inspectors that request fees for service, administrative personal that call to 'verify' your information which are actually phishing for your personal information, and organizations that claim, for a fee, they can speed up your FEMA relief.  To help verify the authenticity of a FEMA agent, contact your local law enforcement agency., and connect with FEMA through United Way's 211 Hotline - Just dial 211 on your Vermont phone.

Charity scams

Beware of phony storm relief "charities" calling to solicit funds.  Any legitimate charity will be able to send you information by mail.  Consumers should not provide bank account or payment information over the phone to any caller unless the consumer is sure of the source of the call.  

Any charity that has hired a paid fundraiser to solicit funds in Vermont must be registered with the Vermont Attorney General's office.  You can find registered fundraiser information on our Charities page.

Report Price Gouging

If you are concerned about a sudden increase in pricing for goods or services needed for recovery efforts, file a complaint with CAP.  In the wake of a market emergency, the Attorney General's Office reviews price gouging complaints.  

What is CAP?

The Office of the Attorney General's Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) helps Vermonters solve disputes with businesses, protect themselves from fraud and access available services. In partnership with UVM, CAP operates a consumer hotline, mediates consumer disputes with businesses, tracks fraud and scam complaints and recovers thousands of dollars yearly for consumers.  

I received a phone call....

Receive a phone call that concerns you? Click here to find out more about collection calls, telemarketing calls, charitable solicitations and telephone scams.  

I got a letter in the mail....

Unexpected check in the mail?  Want to stop collection notices?  Click here to find out more about solicitations, scams and other problems in the mail.

I'm having trouble with a business....

Trouble with a product or service? Paid someone to work on your home and now they won't show up?  Click here to find out more about your rights as a Vermont consumer.

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