TRENTON, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — With all of the damage caused by Ida needing repair, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Acting Attorney General Andrew Bruck are issuing a warning to price gougers.
Criminals often capitalize on unsettled situations and take advantage of vulnerable people. Murphy and Bruck said they are monitoring closely and price gouging simply won't be tolerated at all. Anyone caught will pay the consequences, which include fines up to $10,000 for a first offense.
The law specifically prohibits excessive price increases during a state of emergency and 30 days after it expires.
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Here are a few tips from the state to make sure nobody is pulling a fast one on you.
If you need home repairs, get three written estimates for the work and do your homework on the contractor. Make sure they are licensed and insured and never pay a large sum up front. Any job over $500 must come with a written contract.
Ask for ID from anyone claiming to represent a public utility. Call the utility to confirm that person works there if you are suspicious.
Report anything you think seems fishy to the Division of Consumer Affairs at (973) 504-6240.