Do not become a victim of Sebastian business’s price gouging you during the Coronavirus Pandemic.
Sadly, some corporations and small businesses think it is alright to take advantage of people during this difficult time. So, do not allow them to get away with it.
On Tuesday, March 10, 2020, Attorney General Ashley Moody launched a price-gouging hotline for Floridians to report price hikes in commodities or potential scams related to the spread of COVID-19.
The Price Gouging Hotline number is 1-(866)-9NO-SCAM, or 1-866-966-7226. If caught a business will face up to $25,000 in fines.
Moody is asking that Florida residence report any price gouging in their town.
“We are most effective when Floridians help us. So I want to encourage anyone who sees exorbitant price increases on essential commodities to please contact my office immediately so we can address the matter as soon as possible,” said Moody.
Since Attorney General Ashley Moody activated Florida’s Price Gouging Hotline, the Florida Attorney General’s Office has secured over $79,000 in refunds related to product purchases, travel, leisure and product purchases.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Today marks three weeks since I activated Florida’s Price Gouging Hotline and already we are getting results for Floridians. Our first goal is to deter price gouging in real-time so consumers can afford the essential commodities they need to stay healthy as we fight the COVID-19 pandemic together. While my Rapid Response Team is contacting businesses, securing refunds, and working with online platforms to remove outrageous posts, we are also issuing subpoenas and preserving evidence to advance our price gouging investigations.”
What evidence do you need to help enforce the Price Gouging Statute?
If you believe that you are a victim of price gouging, you must get as much information as possible, such as invoices, estimates, receipts, or bills. When comparing products, note size or quantity, product name, manufacturer, item number, and unit price.
Again, the Price Gouging Hotline number is 1-(866)-9NO-SCAM, or 1-866-966-7226.
