As we watch the track of Hurricane Joaquin, state officials are warning the public about the dangers of price gouging.
NBC Connecticut First Alert meteorologists say the most likely scenario as of Thursday afternoon is that Joaquin will veer east and miss the United States, but vulnerable consumers have become victims during past major weather emergencies that hit the state, such as Sandy and Irene, state lawmakers said during a news conference Thursday at the New Haven Emergency Operations Center.
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During a declared state of emergency, it is illegal in the state for businesses to increase the prices of goods and services.
“There are all kinds of opportunities for people without conscience to engage in predatory behavior," State Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) said.
In 2013, after Sandy caused severe damage along the coastline, the Legislature expanded the law to protect consumers from price gouging of services, like repairing roofs and fixing flood damage.
Looney said people concerned about safety to their homes were approached by contractors charging exorbitant rates.
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He added the same type behavior can take place during the cleanup following snowstorms.
According to the anti-price gouging law, consumer protection officials determine if a price is excessive by comparing what the same good or service cost thirty days before the weather emergency.
"When there's a storm coming and you need something to protect your family, doesn't matter how much it costs,” New Haven Emergency Management Coordinator Rick Fontana said. “You want it and last thing you want to know is you've been gouged and taken advantage of."
State officials ask people who think they have been the victim of price gouging during a state of emergency to call the Department of Consumer Protection at 1-800-842-2649.
