In the wake of the flooding in the Des Moines metro and Ankeny areas, Iowa Attorney General, Tom Miller, is cautioning home, business and property owners to be wary of scams. Unfortunately, shady contractors tend to solicit victims in times of natural disaster, and consumers should be watchful for clean-up, home repair and construction contractors, especially those who solicit door-to-door and/or ask for advance payment. On Monday, Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for Boone, Dallas, Jasper and Polk Counties in response to severe weather damages that started as far back as June 14. This means that price gouging is illegal for these counties while the declaration is in effect. Price gouging is defined as raising prices unreasonably above the price at which the merchandise or service was sold in the usual course of business immediately prior to the onset of the emergency. This applies during the emergency and recovery period, up to six months. It does, however, recognize that prices may be higher because sellers also often incur increased costs. Consumers should do a background check on the contract before signing any contracts. They should get everything in writing and get several estimates. Avoid paying large sums in advance and do not make any rushed decisions, in most cases, Iowa’s door-to-door sales law provides three business days to cancel a contract signed at your home. Consumers can contact the Consumer Protection Division if they have complaints about questionable contractors or price-gouging through the details provided here.
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Consumer Protection Division:
Web: www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov
Phone: 515-281-5926 or 888-777-4590
Email: consumer@iowa.gov
