Price gouging

March 02, 2009 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear, along with Attorney General Jack Conway, today announced an extension on the state’s price gouging statutes.

Originally enacted on Jan. 28th, the extension will allow for an additional window of time to investigate any complaints of price gouging that may occur relative to gas, heating and building supplies in the aftermath of January’s winter storm.

“Due to the extent of storm damage and massive cleanup efforts statewide, today’s extension will ensure Kentuckians are protected from predatory pricing as we continue to recover from the greatest natural disaster in Kentucky history,” Gov. Beshear said.    » read more »

February 3, 2009 -- JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- There are less than scrupulous contractors out there, who prey on people in difficult circumstances.

Even more incredible are the fake offers of state and federal aid to disaster victims. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) encourage Missouri property owners to beware of scam artists that tend to follow disasters.

"Beware of imposters," said Tom Hall, FEMA's federal coordinating officer for disaster operations in Missouri. "FEMA and SEMA representatives always wear photo IDs."

Missouri residents who suspect price gouging or other fraud can file a complaint with the Attorney General's Office at www.ago.mo.gov, or by calling the Consumer Protection Hotline at (573) 751-3321.    » read more »

Beshear, Conway implement price gouging statues to protect Kentuckians

January 29, 2009 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. – President Barack Obama last night approved Gov. Steve Beshear’s request for an emergency Presidential Disaster Declaration that will expedite assistance to people in need across the commonwealth.    » read more »

Beshear, Conway implement price gouging statutes to protect Kentuckians

January 28, 2009 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. – With nearly 400,000 Kentucky customers without power, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear today said he is seeking an emergency disaster declaration from the federal government to expedite assistance to people in need across the commonwealth.

The disaster request is one of a number of steps Gov. Beshear quickly triggered today in the way of icy winter storm that has walloped much of the state, impacting nursing homes, government centers and homes and businesses from Ballard County in the west to Boyd County in the east.    » read more »

Sends Letter to FTC Chairman about potential price gouging

June 17, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, DC - At a time when Pennsylvanians are faced with skyrocketing gas prices, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today sent a letter to William Kovacic, Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding the potential of price gouging and price manipulation.

“I hope that you and I can work together to give the FTC the tools it needs to investigate and help prosecute companies that are adopting questionable business strategies,” Senator Casey wrote. “The Unites States Congress and the FTC have an obligation to provide consumers with the assurance that whatever price they are paying at the pump, they can be certain they aren't being taken for a ride.”    » read more »

Three Hendricks County Gas Stations are making Refunds following an Excessive Pricing Inquiry by Attorney General Steve Carter

March 19, 2008 -- (INDIANAPOLIS, IN) – Three Hendricks County gas stations are responding to Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter’s inquiries about excessive pricing last Friday. The attorney general’s office received complaints about a Speedway and two Marathon stations near Danville selling regular, unleaded gasoline at more than $4/gallon before dropping prices later in the day.

“These prices stuck out like a sore thumb and were clearly excessive in the marketplace,” Carter said. “Our inquiry into the matter has resulted in an outcome favorable to customers.”    » read more »

02/12/2008 - A Tulsa man is accused today of price gouging during the December ice storms after an investigation by the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Unit.

Mohammed Mannan, 38, was charged today in Tulsa County District Court with three misdemeanor counts of violating the Oklahoma Emergency Price Stabilization Act.

The charges were filed after three consumers contacted the attorney general’s office to report that the price of gas at a station owned by Mannan jumped from $2.69 to $3.29 after a state of emergency was declared in December.    » read more »

February 06, 2008 -- Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway today provided information to consumers who were victims of last night’s tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. Seven people in Kentucky lost their lives in the storms. Governor Steve Beshear declared a State of Emergency in Kentucky and local States of Emergency have been issued by county and city officials in Muhlenburg County, the city of Brandenburg and Monroe County.    » read more »

January 10, 2008 -- INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter encourages Hoosiers in North Central Indiana to be on guard against unscrupulous contractors following the recent flooding in the area. Con artists may come out of the woodwork to prey on those who have seen damage to their homes by offering assistance at outrageous prices or taking money and failing to complete the work.    » read more »

01/08/2008 -- BOSTON – Senator John Kerry today asked the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to launch an investigation into allegations of gas price gouging.    » read more »

Attorney General monitors supply and sales of basic consumer goods and services in affected North Coast areas

December 11, 2007 -- Salem – Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski today announced his decision to declare an abnormal disruption of the marketplace in geographical areas affected by last week’s storm, as allowed by Senate Bill 118, the state’s new anti-price gouging law.    » read more »

AG Monitors Supply And Sales Of Goods And Services In North Coast Areas

December 11, 2007 -- Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski today announced his decision to declare an abnormal disruption of the marketplace in geographical areas affected by last week's storm, as allowed by Senate Bill 118, the state's new anti-price gouging law.    » read more »

December 11, 2007 -- JEFFERSON CITY – Missouri Governor Matt Blunt is urging Missourians to use extreme caution when hiring workers to help clean up debris after the devastating ice storms.    » read more »

December 10, 2007 -- Jefferson City, Mo. — Bursting pipes, downed trees, wrecked cars and high prices may be among the results of this weekend's ice storm, and Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon is reminding consumers to look out for law breakers and con artists.

“Unfortunately, after a storm like this, we can count on the con artists coming out of the woodwork even before the ice thaws,” Nixon said. “Consumers need to avoid doing business with strangers and watch for price gouging, which is against the law.”    » read more »

Explain New Price Gouging Law

December 5, 2007 -- In the wake of the recent storms hitting the Pacific Northwest, Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski and Attorney General Hardy Myers today warned storm victims to be alert for potential scams targeting them and reminded Oregonians about the state's new price gouging law.

"Natural disasters like the recent storm are usually followed by scam artists who will attempt to take advantage of victims' special needs for goods and services to recover from the storm," Kulongoski said.    » read more »