FERNLEY CONSUMER ALERT

FLOOD RECOVERY EFFORTS

Fernley, NV – January 22, 2008 – Fernley City Attorney Jeff McGowan is alerting residents and business owners in Fernley to report any incidences of price-gouging for food, fuel, lodging, flood repair work and other services.

City Attorney, Jeff McGowan, is issuing a strong warning to businesses that may be tempted to price-gouge consumers during the flood recovery process. The federal emergency declaration triggers stiffer penalties under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act. These provisions protect consumers against those who charge exorbitant fees for fuel, food, medicines, repair work or other necessities during and after disasters.

“While most Fernley businesses faithfully follow the law, consumers should be aware that disasters are prime opportunities for unscrupulous businesses to inflate prices illegally,” McGowan said. “We will not tolerate this kind of dishonesty in Fernley as our residents recover from this disaster.”

The City Attorney reminds consumers and property owners to keep these tips in mind for the flood cleanup and repair process:

Engage the services of licensed or bonded contractors or builders;
Be wary of door-to-door solicitations and offers of up-front payment for services not rendered;
Don't be rushed into signing contracts;
Secure the terms of any warranty work in writing;
Ask for references from contractors of satisfied customers;
Get more than one estimate.

Persons who believe they have been victimized by price-gouging are encouraged to file a complaint with the Nevada Attorney General's Office Bureau of Consumer Protection by calling the Carson City Office at (775) 684-1170. To file a complaint online go to http://ag.state.nv.us/org/bcp/complaint.htm .

For more information, please contact the City of Fernley City Manager, Gary Bacock at 784-9858 or 785-9851.