Assembly Consumer Affairs Chairman Paul Moriarty (D-Gloucester/Camden) released the following statement Wednesday:
“Our hearts go out to those hit hardest by this terrible storm, and I offer my thanks and praise to all the emergency responders for their bravery and courage, and to the President, Governor and all the state and local officials who have made sure our state continues to have a strong response.
“But as we move onward, I also want to add my voice to the warnings going out to consumers about price gouging.
“State law makes excessive price increases illegal during a state of emergency. It also prohibits it for 30 days following the end of the emergency. The administration has promised to thoroughly investigate complaints, and I urge all consumers to be wary and to report any price gouging without hesitation. Please call the Division of Consumer Affairs at 862-209-0130 or 973-220-3474 to lodge any complaints.
“For more information on how to be aware of potential gouging and other disaster-related scams, please visit www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/disaster/floodtipsflyer_1.pdf for English or www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/disaster/floodtipsflyerSP_1.pdf for Spanish.
“We should always be on the look out for scams, but we should be especially aware in the coming days and weeks. Keep a watch out and look out for your friends and neighbors.”