TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has launched an app to protect you from price gouging ahead of Hurricane Dorian.
The opening of the hotline comes as Governor Ron DeSantis declares a state of emergency for counties in the path of Hurricane Dorian. Florida’s Price Gouging Law only applies within the area of the declared state of emergency.
The app is called NO SCAM, and it lets you attach pictures and copies of receipts directly from your smart phone.
“Floridians in the projected path of this storm should take steps now to ensure they are prepared for a strike and the possibility of days without electricity. This means purchasing essential commodities such as food, water and fuel," said Moody. "I have activated Florida’s Price Gouging Hotline in an effort to prevent gouging, so Floridians can afford essential items now. Please report gouging to my office by calling (866) 9NO-SCAM or download our new reporting app— NO SCAM .”
I have activated Florida's Price Gouging Hotline.
— Fla. AG Ashley Moody (@AGAshleyMoody) August 28, 2019
Floridians in the projected path of #HurricaneDorian prepare now—and report price gouging to my office by calling (866) 9NO-SCAM or by downloading our reporting app NO SCAM. pic.twitter.com/GRrQhj9DOZ
Under Florida's laws, it is illegal to charge unconscionable prices for goods or services following a declared state of emergency.
Individuals or businesses found guilty of price gouging could face fines up to $1,000 per violation, or up to a maximum of $25,000 per day.
You can download the app for free through Apple and Android stores. Just search: NO SCAM FLORIDA.
For more information about the NO SCAM app, click here.
