Officials probe possible price gouging after Sandy - DC Breaking Local News Weather Sports FOX 5 WTTG

Officials probe possible price gouging after Sandy

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Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes is going after businesses that are taking advantage of people following Hurricane Sandy.

"The sad truth about a tragedy is that while it brings out the very best in people, it can also bring out the worst," Hynes said. "To raise the price of a hotel, as people seek emergency shelter is just unconscionable."

He has empanelled a special rackets grand jury to probe complaints about gas, hotels, and contractors. He said people who are overcharging should be ashamed of themselves and could end up paying a criminal penalty.

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has received about 600 complaints so far and he has also launched an investigation.

In addition, the attorney general has slapped a subpoena on Craigslist demanding the names of people selling much-needed items to desperate victims such as cans of gas for $40 to $500 when they should cost $20 or less.

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