Fuel is under critical watch as 25% of its gas stations were dry by yesterday afternoon|@aaronjayjack|X
Federal agencies issued a joint warning for people to be cautious of possible scams, price hikes, and fraud during natural disasters, as Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm near Siesta Key, Florida, last night.
The Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) are alerting consumers that businesses could raise prices on essential goods like gas, groceries and hotel stays.
A DOJ official added that companies that use natural disasters to hike prices are on notice.
Several states have laws against price gouging, especially during emergencies like natural disasters. Fuel is under critical watch as 25% of its gas stations were dry by yesterday afternoon.
Additionally, scammers often target people during natural disasters by pretending to be charities or government officials, trying to steal money or personal information.
The Biden administration said that legitimate disaster aid would never ask for payment through wire transfers, gift cards, payment apps, cryptocurrency, or cash.
People can report fraud online or call the National Center for Disaster Fraud’s (NCDF) hotline at 866-720-5721.