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Inos: Beware of price gouging
“Do not let the people suffer more than they already are,” was the statement Gov. Eloy S. Inos made when asked about the issue of price gouging. “Recently, my office has heard claims of consumers experiencing situations where they were charged prices on goods that were different from pre-Soudelor prices at various establishments. I want to reiterate that we are still in a disaster period and price gouging is illegal.”
Inos was referring to the extension on the price freeze declaration, originally signed by then-acting governor Ralph DLG. Torres on Aug. 3, but recently extended by the governor after signing a bill into law amending the Consumer Disaster Price Freeze Act, which made Torres’ earlier declaration and Inos’ extension valid until the disaster declaration is lifted. The declaration states that prices on such items as food, clothing, generators, and tools are to remain at pre-storm numbers.
Violators of the law will be punished with a $10,000 fine, along with a prison term of one year.
Inos mentioned that with everything going on with residents in recovery mode, there would be expenses that were not foreseen that might creep up.
“I cannot stress more that residents need to be vigilant so they don’t fall victim to price gougers,” he said. “The bottom line is this; we are in a sensitive, very unique situation now. People need goods and supplies, and some of them are scraping the bottom of the barrel just to afford what they need to survive. And to raise prices during this disaster stage is illegal.”
Inos further added, “Consumers should immediately report to the Attorney General any instances of price gouging.”
Residents are urged to report any price gouging activity to the Attorney General’s Office’s Criminal Division at (670) 237-7500 or (670) 664-2366/67. Also, disaster legal services are available through the Micronesian Legal Services Corporation, the American Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency by calling (670) 234-7729. (Joint Information Center)
