Storms like Francine can bring out the best in people.
Unfortunately, they can also bring out the worst in people.
Price gouging often rears its ugly head during severe weather events, and Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill is vowing to do something about it.
“Price gouging occurs when someone or a business charges prices that are extraordinarily disproportionate to the ordinary prices that would be charged right before the storm or during the storm,” Murrill told a Tuesday news conference.
Murrill says if you see price gouging or are the victim of price gouging, feel free to call police.
“It can be a crime,” says Murrill, “so the first place you can go is to local law enforcement.”
You can also file a complaint at the attorney general’s website.
“The details matter,” Merrill says, “so when you do that, I would urge you to use as much detail as you can when you file that complaint.”
If you don’t have access to a computer or a smartphone, you can call the consumer hotline at 1-800-351-4889.
Murrill has a stern message for price gougers.
“We will make sure that no one is taken advantage of during the storm. It’s not only wrong, it is illegal, and we will enforce the law.”
