A South Jersey motel finds itself in hot water for alleged price gouging during Jersey's State of Emergency related to Superstorm Sandy.

The Press of Atlantic City has discovered that the A-1 Motel on the White Horse Pike in Galloway Township has been named in a lawsuit that lists a total of 7 hotel establishments and 3 gas stations.  The lawsuit was filed by the state's Attorney General.

Word is that the A-1 Motel increased its rates from its pre-Sandy rate of $50 a night to more than double - rates were supposedly as high as $105-$110 a night.

The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs reports more than 2000 complaints of price gouging since October 27th (the day that the state of emergency was declared by Gov. Chris Christie).

Laws are on the books to prevent price gouging, stating that merchants are prohibited during a declared state of emergency to raise their prices by more than 10% from the highest pre-storm price.  This law extends for 30 days following the state of emergency.

If you feel you may have been a victim of price gouging during the last month because of Sandy, the Division of Consumer Affairs will take your call and try to assist you at 1-800-242-5846.

 

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