Complaint resolution service publishes case studies, recall information and consumer news.

Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson has urged state residents to report any instances of price gouging in the wake of the tornadoes that tore through four Central Florida counties this week.

State law prohibits charging exorbitant or excessive prices for essential items, including shelter, gasoline, food, water, ice, generators or lumber following the declaration of an emergency, unless the increases in the amount charged are attributable to additional costs incurred by retailers.

Governor Charlie Crist has declared an emergency in Volusia, Sumter, Lake and Seminole counties, triggering the activation of the price-gouging statute. The price gouging law’s activation is limited to activities only in those counties.

Individuals or businesses found to have engaged in price gouging face fines of up to $1,000 per violation, or up to a maximum fine of $25,000 a day.

“We’re asking consumers to come forward and let us know if any retailers have exploited our citizens or are profiteering from the tornadoes,” Bronson said. “This activity is not only reprehensible, it’s illegal.”

Bronson is asking residents who have any evidence that price gouging has occurred or is occurring to report it at once to his department’s toll-free hotline - 1 800 HELP FLA (435-7352). In addition to the price gouging oversight, Bronson’s Division of Forestry is providing assistance in clearing roads and removing debris.

Posted under Customer Service, Safety

In the wake of the damage caused by Hurricane Wilma throughout South Florida, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) today asked the banks it regulates to work constructively with borrowers affected by the storm.

“Unfortunately, this scenario has become all too familiar,” said FDIC Chairman Don Powell. “But we’ve learned from the last few hurricanes that bankers will do all they can to help consumers get back on their feet. We’re encouraging banks to help borrowers who are experiencing difficulties beyond their control due to this devastating hurricane.”

The FDIC’s 24-hour toll-free consumer hotline, established in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, is still operational. Consumers – and bankers – with banking-related questions should call the FDIC’s hotline at 1-877-ASK-FDIC (1-877-275-3342) or visit the FDIC’s Web site at www.fdic.gov.

In a letter to banks today, the FDIC outlined a series of steps to help the rebuilding process in damaged areas. Extending repayment terms, restructuring existing loans or easing terms for new loans, if done in a manner that is consistent with safe and sound banking practices, can contribute to the health of the community and serve the long-term interests of the lending institution, the FDIC’s letter stated.

The FDIC is also considering regulatory relief for banks from certain filing and publishing requirements.

Posted under Finance, Safety