Office of the Attorney General, Saipan – As typhoon Mawar bears down on the CNMI, the Office of the Attorney General encourages consumers to report incidents of price gouging. Attorney General Edward Manibusan warns retailers that the Consumer Protection Act makes it unlawful for any business to engage in price gouging.
Attorney General Manibusan explains, “price gouging occurs when a business increases prices based on the shortage of goods caused by a natural disaster or any other emergency.” He continues, “the Office of the Attorney General will prosecute, both criminally and civilly, any business that engages in price gouging.”
To assist with the investigation of price gouging, affected consumers should submit a written complaint to the Office of the Attorney General along with copies of all receipts, invoices, or other documents associated with the complained-of transaction. Consumers should save all receipts, invoices, and other documents related to price gouging. When submitting a complaint to the Office of the Attorney General, consumers should submit copies of any supporting documents and retain the originals for their own records.
Complaint forms may be obtained at www.cnmioag.org under the Consumer Protection section or in person at the Civil Division on Capitol Hill from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, or via email by sending a request to consumer_counsel@cnmioag.org. Consumers who cannot obtain a complaint form may submit a written complaint that includes (1) the name of the consumer and his or her contact information, (2) the name of the business and its location, (3) a description of goods or services purchased, (4) the date of the purchase, (5) the price paid for goods or services, (6) the price of the goods or services prior to typhoon Mawar, (7) any other details that support the complaint, and (8) copies of receipts, invoices, or other documents that support the complaint. Complaints should be hand delivered to the Civil Division on Capitol Hill or submitted via email.
Inquiries regarding consumer protection complaints should be directed to Assistant Attorney General Hunter Hunt at consumer_counsel@cnmioag.org or (670) 237-7500.
