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12-17-08
CONSUMERS URGED TO ADVISE THE STATE CONSUMER PROTECTION BOARD OF PRICE GOUGING DURING WINTER STORMS
Winter came in with a roar this week, leaving thousands without power, repairing damage, and bracing for more storms on the horizon. Weather-related disasters force the expenditure of funds on the basics, and can leave consumers vulnerable to occasional price gouging and scams.

Consumers who suspect price-gouging during this storm period, are urged to report it to the New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB) immediately. Reports can be filed using the online complaint form available at www.nysconsumer.gov, or by calling the Agency’s toll-free hot line at 800-697-1220.

“In a tough economy, the last thing consumers needed was to have to plunk down money for emergency shelter and heat, but with this week’s storm, that was necessary for some New Yorkers,” said Mindy A. Bockstein, Chairperson and Executive Director of the CPB. “With the next bout of winter weather knocking on our doors, we are asking consumers to help us help them, by reporting any suspicions of price gouging.”

Price gouging during emergency situations is prohibited under the law (GBL § 396-r). Therefore, it is unlawful to charge exorbitant or excessive prices for essential items - - including shelter, gasoline, kerosene, generators or lumber - - following the declaration of an emergency.

Price gouging rules also apply to repairs made to property damaged by storms. While some things can be fixed by consumers, others may require a contractor.  Consumers should do their homework before hiring a contractor, including roofers, to avoid being scammed. Those with hiring or general questions about structural damage to their homes are encouraged to refer to the CPB’s “Ask the Expert” program available online at: http://www.nysconsumer.gov/ask_the_expert.htm and to check the Agency’s home improvement resources.

On December 13, 2008, Governor David A. Paterson announced that a State Disaster Emergency had been declared to expedite assistance to 16 counties and contiguous areas sustaining extensive damage in the ice storm that left hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers without electric power. The counties affected by the disaster declaration are Albany, Chenango, Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Otsego, Putnam, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster and Washington. On Monday, December 15, 2008, Governor David Paterson and Senator Charles Schumer urged the federal government to issue an Emergency Declaration and to expedite federal aid for Upstate New York counties hit by Friday’s ice storm.

The CPB, established in 1970 by the New York State Legislature, is the State's top consumer watchdog and think tank. The CPB's core mission is to protect New Yorkers by publicizing unscrupulous and questionable business practices and product recalls; conducting investigations and hearings; enforcing the Do Not Call law; researching issues; developing legislation; creating consumer education programs and materials; responding to individual marketplace complaints by securing voluntary agreements; and, representing the interests of consumers before the Public Service Commission and other State and federal agencies.