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Iowa Attorney General Applies Anti-Price-Gouging Rule

Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller, right, speaks during a news conference back in 2006. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

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Iowa Attorney General Applies Anti-Price-Gouging Rule

By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Jun 19, 2008 at 9:33 AM CST

Story Updated: Jun 19, 2008 at 9:33 AM CST

DES MOINES (AP) - Iowa's anti-price-gouging rule is in effect for counties issued disaster declarations after flooding, tornadoes and severe storms. More Info on Anti-Price-Gouging rule.

Attorney General Tom Miller says price-gouging happens when a person or company tries to take advantage of disaster victims by substantially raising the prices for goods or services.

Miller says the rule, included in the Iowa Consumer Fraud Act, applies during the emergency declaration and a recovery period of up to six months.

Iowa Gov. Chet Culver has issued disaster declarations for 83 of Iowa's 99 counties.

The price-gouging rule was adopted at the time of the 1993 floods. It applies to all sorts of items and services including water, food, medicine, lodging and repairs.

Complaints about possible price-gouging may be brought to local authorities or to the Attorney General's Office — 515-281-5926 in Des Moines, or toll-free at 888-777-4590. On the Web: www.IowaAttorneyGeneral.org.

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