IP Explosion: Beware Of Scammers
January 31, 2017
Officials are warning those impacted by the International Paper explosion to be aware of scammers.
The Unified Command Teams says they have been made aware that businesses are contacting community members potentially impacted by the explosion and offering various services including water testing, pressure washing and carpet cleaning for a fee.
International Paper, through the Unified Command Team, is not currently coordinating with any businesses other than Cotton and CTEH, who are managing the community cleanup.
Gonzalez Utilities, which operates the water system in much of the area most impacted by the IP explosion, is also warning customers that any testing of the water quality should be done by Gonzalez Utilities to eliminate scams. Gonzalez Utilities employees will have the necessary identification to prove their association.
Gonzalez Utilities officials said Monday that the water system has been inspected and no contamination issues have been found..
For more information, contact Unified Command (850) 968-4208 at or Gonzales Utilities at (850) 968-5434.
The Unified Command Team is comprised of International Paper, Escambia County EMA/Public Safety, Florida Department of Health, Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Comments
4 Responses to “IP Explosion: Beware Of Scammers”
#1 on your clean-up is that IP is responsible for damages to home and property, so go through them first to avoid being scammed. they surely have teams to help you recover any loss or damage and IP will be a good neighbor or get much bad publicity that they want to avoid!
Sadly just like after any natural disaster snakes crawl out from under their rocks to take advantage of the situation.
@ Ken: a lot of these scammers will infer that they represent the “official” efforts by IP and the Unified Command Team, then hit the homeowner with a big bill that they didn’t kmow was coming.
What’s the scam? Under capitalism, aren’t businesses allowed provide services for a fee? Isn’t that what Gonzales is doing?