GAYLORD (WWJ) -- While emergency crews are still assessing the damage after a powerful tornado tore apart Northern Michigan's Gaylord, there's another concern top-of-mind.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel on Monday sent investigators from her office to look into reported instances of price gouging in the wake of the historic storm.
“Residents who are already struggling in the wake of a natural disaster must be protected from bad actors that are intent on exploiting hardship for their own gain,” said Nessel, in a statement. “My department’s investigators are on the ground in Gaylord to ensure the price of goods and services are fair and not artificially inflated to take advantage of the circumstances.”
Basic goods and services are top priorities after disaster strikes, the AG said. And, as demand for them increases, scammers tend to take advantage.
Michigan law prohibits any retailer from charging a price that is "grossly in excess of the price at which similar property or services are sold."
Even though Michigan does not have a law specifically prohibiting price gouging in direct response to a disaster, Nessel's office said she will not tolerate any "unscrupulous behavior" when it comes to gouging.
If you believe a retailer is charging a price "grossly in excess" of what others are charging for similar goods or services, contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at 877-765-8388 or file an online complaint.
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Nessel, meanwhile, is reminding Michiganders about disaster scams related to the tornado.
Nessel’s Disaster Scams Consumer Alert provides information on how to spot and stop other common post-disaster scams. The Better Business Bureau is also a helpful resource to research local companies and contractors when navigating repairs and cleanup.
To file a complaint with the Attorney General, or get additional information, contact:
Consumer Protection Division
P.O. Box 30213 Lansing, MI 48909
Toll free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form
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