BRANTLEY COUNTY, Ga. – Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr is warning residents to watch for price gouging and scams connected to ongoing wildfires in South Georgia.
“We’re praying for all those in South Georgia and thankful for the first responders who are on the front lines protecting lives and property,” Carr said. “With evacuations in place and families seeking shelter, we want to be clear — anyone artificially increasing costs on the backs of hardworking Georgians will be prosecuted. We know this is a difficult time, and we’ll fight to ensure those impacted have the resources they need to rebuild and recover.”
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State of emergency, price gouging protections
Gov. Brian Kemp issued a state of emergency covering 91 Georgia counties on April 22, along with a burn ban — making state resources available to local governments and entities in the most impacted areas. The declaration remains in effect until 11:59 p.m. on May 22, 2026.
The executive order invokes Georgia’s Price Gouging Statute, covering goods and services necessary to support preparation, response and recovery efforts — including motor fuel, diesel fuel and other petroleum products. Businesses in the identified counties may not sell, or offer to sell at retail, any covered goods or services at a price higher than what was charged before the emergency declaration.
Price increases are permitted only if they accurately reflect an increase in the cost of new stock or transportation, plus the retailer’s average markup percentage applied during the 10 days immediately before the declaration.
Avoiding contractor fraud after the fires
The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division is offering tips to help residents avoid scams related to the fires.
Consumers should check hotel and motel prices online in advance and confirm rates before booking. For property damage, residents should steer clear of any contractor who demands full payment upfront, accepts only cash or refuses to provide a written contract.
Door-to-door repair offers should be avoided. Instead, the division recommends asking friends and neighbors for referrals. Residents should also be skeptical of any contractor offering to cover an insurance deductible or offering no-cost incentives, as those can signal fraud.
Before committing to any repairs or inspections, consumers should contact their insurance company first. Asking contractors for references, checking with the Better Business Bureau and verifying licensing are all recommended steps.
General contractors, electricians, plumbers, and heating and air conditioning contractors must be licensed through the Secretary of State’s Office. Residents can look up contractors at sos.ga.gov. ⚠️ Note: Certain specialty trades — including roofers, tree removal services, painters, drywall contractors and repair handymen — are not required to be licensed by the state.
Legitimate contractors should be able to provide:
- A business license
- General liability insurance
- Workers’ compensation insurance
- Written manufacturer warranties
- Written labor warranties
Spotting charity fraud
Fraudulent charities often emerge quickly in the wake of disasters. Scammers can easily build realistic-looking websites, copy logos or create names closely resembling well-known organizations.
Consumers should take time to thoroughly review any organization before donating — especially when responding to social media posts or crowdfunding campaigns, which are not always legitimate even if shared by friends.
The Consumer Protection Division recommends donating only to charities you know and trust, and being especially cautious about social media fundraising. The following websites can help verify an organization’s reputation and financial accountability:
- give.org
- charitynavigator.org
- charitywatch.org
Residents should find out whether a charity plans to share their contact information with other organizations or marketing companies — a common practice that can lead to additional solicitations. Donor privacy policies can be reviewed through Charity Navigator and BBB Wise Giving Alliance.
Consumers should never provide credit card or bank account information in response to an unsolicited phone call, email or text. Instead, ask for written information to be mailed.
Additional tips can be found on the Consumer Protection Division’s website, found here.