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Price gouging concerns addressed by Attorney General's Office

8 years 2 months 3 weeks ago Wednesday, August 31 2016 Aug 31, 2016 August 31, 2016 9:49 PM August 31, 2016 in News
Source: WBRZ

DENHAM SPRINGS - The Attorney General's Office is addressing some concerns over price gouging and says if you notice a large jump in price following the flood disaster, it might be price gouging.

Deputy Director of Public Protection Michael Dupree says price gouging is not necessarily a freeze in prices and you have to account for the market.

"The evidence is, what was the price before the storm (receipts, advertisements) and then what is the disparity of it now," said Dupree. "Each one of those cases is specifically tailored to the facts and circumstances."

Denise Morgan of Denham Springs has been busy gutting her home. The items she was able to save after her home flooded are on her front porch protected by a tarp when it rains.

"If it stays out here for much longer I'm going to lose all that, too," she said.

Morgan is looking for a storage unit to keep her things but after calling multiple places hasn't had much luck.

"The three that said they had something wouldn't tell me the price or they say they wouldn't know what the price would be until they open their doors," said Morgan.

Bill Hildreth who manages Walker Road Self Storage says his prices are staying put. He's put a sign out front of his business that says, "No price gouging, still best price in area."

"Everybody's sticking their finger in the pie trying to make more than they should," said Hildreth. "I don't agree with it when people are down like they are and after what's happened they should be charged for it, they should be put out of business for it."

If you think you're paying too much money for something, call the Attorney General's Office at 1-800-351-4889.

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