SAINT PETERSBURG, Fla. — As the region works to recover from Hurricane Helene, the Florida Office of the Attorney General said most of the state’s price gouging reports are coming from just three counties — all of them in the Tampa Bay area.
Consumers in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties have the most reports of price gouging, although the attorney general’s office said some of them have not risen to the level of an official complaint.
Of those 350 reports, the state’s Rapid Response Team is actively investigating more than 160, spokesperson Kylie Mason said.
Mason added the process includes making site visits, as well as speaking with customers and businesses.
If a business appears to be price gouging, the attorney general’s office suggests making note of the business’ name and address, taking pictures of the prices and signs of the item in question and then see what other sellers are charging in the same area.
From there, report those findings to the state online, over the phone at 1-866-9NO-SCAM or through the No Scam app.
The state’s consumer protection division said keeping a stocked hurricane kit can help consumers avoid becoming victims of price gouging, although businesses taking advantage of customers should always be reported.
Emerald Morrow is an investigative reporter with 10 Tampa Bay. Like her on Facebook and follow her on X. You can also email her at emorrow@10tampabay.com.