Counties include: Mayes, Rogers, Tulsa and Wagoner
OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter is reminding Oklahomans in Mayes, Rogers, Tulsa and Wagoner counties the Emergency Price Stabilization Act is in effect after the state of emergency declared earlier today.
The price gouging statute prohibits an increase of more than 10 percent for the price of goods and services after a declared state of emergency. Additionally, the act allows the attorney general to pursue charges against individuals or businesses that engage in price gouging.
Attorney General Hunter said the statute protects Oklahomans during a vulnerable time and he urges individuals who have sustained damage to homes or businesses to be aware of criminals in the community targeting damaged property.
“Oklahomans recovering from the weekend storms need to remain attentive of companies that have come into the community to offer services,” Attorney General Hunter said. “Unfortunately, there are fly-by-night companies trying to take advantage of individuals.
“While my thoughts and prayers continue to be with those who are rebuilding and recuperating after the storms, I encourage everyone to be patient, get multiple quotes from different companies and contact my office if fraudulent activity is suspected.”
On Monday, agents with the Consumer Protection Unit were in storm-damaged areas, talking to residents and business owners about fraud prevention and offering tips and information on how to avoid fraud.
Attorney General Hunter said having agents in the area shows force against criminals, but it will not deter all of them.
The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Unit offers the following tips to avoid contractor fraud:
- Ask for referrals from people you trust and for references from contractors;
- Avoid fly-by-night companies and use local companies established in the community;
- Obtain written estimates from multiple contractors;
- Ensure roofers are registered with the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board by calling (405) 521-6550 or check the online database at http://cib.ok.gov/are-they-licensed;
- Be cautious of door-to-door solicitation, contractors who ask for a substantial up-front payment or request cash payment, use high pressure or aggressive sales tactics or resist the use of a written contract;
- Do not give out bank account information, social security or driver’s license numbers;
- If contractors identify themselves with a federal or state government agency, ask for credentials and call the agency they claim to be with.
For more information or to report a complaint, individuals are encouraged to contact the Consumer Protection Unit by phone at (405) 521-2029, or email at [email protected].
For a copy of the Attorney General’s Disaster Scam Prevention Packet, click here.
For a copy of the state of emergency executive order, click here: http://bit.ly/2vOJqeb.
Agents with the attorney general's Consumer Protection Unit were in Tulsa earlier this week after the storms to warn individuals and business owners about contractor fraud.
Attorney General Mike Hunter today reminded residents in northeast Oklahoma the Emergency Price Stabilization Act is in effect. The price gouging statute prohibits an increase of more than 10 percent for the price of goods and services after a declared state of emergency.