Say No To Price Gouging!

Arlington, Va., September 12, 2001 -- In the aftermath of the tragic terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, Better Business Bureaus are receiving reports of isolated instances of price gouging. The complaints are not restricted to the Washington, D.C. or New York City area. The closure of airports and the demands for alternate means of transportation, shelter and other related services are impacting marketplaces across the country.

"The vast majority of businesses adhere to honorable, responsible business practices in good times, and bad. It is unfortunate that a few merchants take advantage of a tragedy or crisis by charging much more than the usual price for a product or service," said Ken Hunter, the president and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus.

Not all price increases constitute price gouging, however. Prices on some products, such as gasoline, do vary throughout the year. Other prices, such as on fresh produce, may vary in a seasonal pattern.

Consumers who encounter sudden, unusual price increases, significantly out of line with the competition in their geographic area, can contact their local Better Business Bureau. [A directory of BBBs is available online at www.bbb.org; click on "Locate a BBB" button.] The BBB will have information on any existing regulatory protections against price-gouging or new actions being taken by state or local government agencies.

You should also contact the Bureau if you believe you have experienced misrepresentation regarding the reason for an abrupt increase in the price of a product or service. While Bureaus generally do not handle complaints solely in reference to the price of goods or services, the local BBB will review concerns about misleading advertising and selling practices.

If you have encountered price increases, not in line with the competition in the Greater New Orleans / Southeast Louisiana area, please let us know. Complaints can be filed online through the www.neworleans.bbb.org web site (click on the "File A Complaint" icon). The complaint will be sent to the New Orleans Better Business Bureau serving Southeast Louisiana. The BBB will review the concerns, and if appropriate, contact the business. In some situations they may also refer the matter to law enforcement agencies.