Attorney General Warns NYers Of Price Gouging During Storm

NEW YORK, NY — With a winter storm pummeling much of New York, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is warning state residents to be on the lookout for price gougers. With people in need of supplies as the storm intensifies, some businesses may try to cash in on people's desperation, Schneiderman said Wednesday.

"New York State law prohibits price gouging during weather emergencies like today’s snowstorm," New York's attorney general said on Twitter. "If you believe that someone is taking unfair advantage of New York consumers, you should contact my office immediately."

The laws prohibit gouging on goods such as food, water, gas, flashlights, snow removal, transportation and lodging, Schneiderman said Wednesday.

The attorney general's office announced an investigation into several propane suppliers in New York after receiving complaints of delays in delivery, price gouging and other violations. The complaints came as temperatures in the state were hitting record lows in many areas, Schneiderman's office announced in January.

New Yorkers can contact the Attorney General’s hotline (518-776-2000) or file a complaint online if they believe they've been a victim of price gouging.

Forecasts predict that Wednesday's storm — the fourth in just three weeks — could be the worst of the season, with up to 18 inches of snow now expected and wind gusts with the potential to bring tree limbs crashing to the ground.

The National Weather Forecast overnight increased the amount of snow expected as the bad weather approached the city. On Tuesday night, forecasters were looking at 15 inches. The snow started to fall around 7 a.m. Wednesday. It is expected to get heavier through the morning and continue until midnight, the NWS said. A winter storm warning is in effect until 6 a.m. Thursday.

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