New York attorney general warns of rising prices on items and services after Henri’s impact – Telemundo New York (47)

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert Monday warning consumers and businesses of potential price hikes for essential items and services due to Henri’s impact.

“New Yorkers should be on the lookout for scammers who use natural disasters to take advantage of consumers,” said Attorney General James. “It is illegal for retailers or suppliers to charge excessively excessive prices for essential goods and services during a state of emergency, and that includes those who try to exploit New Yorkers after Henri. I urge anyone who believes that they may have been the victim of an excessive price increase to contact my office immediately. “

New York State’s Price Increase Law (General Business Law §396-r) prohibits merchants from unfairly taking advantage of consumers by selling goods or services for an “excessively excessive” price during an “abnormal market disruption” or a declared state of emergency. An excessive price would be represented by a great disparity between the price of the product immediately before and after such an occurrence.

The Price Increase Act covers New York State vendors, retailers, and suppliers, and includes essential goods and services that are vital and necessary to the health, safety, and well-being of consumers or the general public, such as food, water, gasoline, generators, batteries, flashlights, hotel accommodation and transportation services. Contracted services for storm-related damage, both during and after a natural disaster, are also covered by state price increase law.

On August 22, the federal government issued a federal disaster declaration for 26 counties in New York, including: Albany, The Bronx, Broome, Chenango, Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Kings, Montgomery, Nassau, New York, Orange , Otsego, Putnam, Queens, Rensselaer, Richmond, Rockland, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester Counties.

Consumers should protect themselves when hiring contractors to perform storm-related services by keeping the following tips in mind:

• Compare Prices – Get at least three estimates from reputable contractors that include specific information on the materials and services that will be provided for the job.

• Get it in writing – Insist on a written contract that includes the price and description of the work required.

• Don’t pay unreasonable advance sums – negotiate a payment schedule tied to the completion of specific stages of the job. Never pay full price up front.

• Get references – check with Better Business Bureau, banks, suppliers and neighbors. Always contact the references provided to you.

• Know your rights: You have three days to cancel after signing a home improvement contract. All cancellations must be made in writing.

The New York State Attorney General’s Office urges any New Yorker who believes they have been the victim of a price spike to file a complaint online or by calling 800-771-7755.

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