By
Bonnie Coblentz MISSISSIPPI
STATE -- When a disaster such as Hurricane Katrina strikes
the state, officials add price gouging and illegitimate
charities to the list of things they must deal
with. Bobbie
Shaffett, associate professor of human sciences with
Mississippi State University's Extension Service, said
Mississippians are a generous people, but there are always a
few people who see a disaster as an opportunity to scam
others. "There
are always people who are going to try to steal your money
any way they can," Shaffett said. "Since we are a generous
and kind-hearted people, they are going to try to use that
against us and deceive us." Fraudulent
services are often offered for home repair and
tree-trimming. Price gouging can sometimes be seen in gas,
hotel and building supply prices. According
to the Mississippi Attorney General's office of Consumer
Protection, price gouging goes into effect any time the
governor declares a state of emergency. Merchants cannot
charge any more for their products after a state of
emergency has been declared than they did before that
declaration. Normal pricing applies after the declaration of
emergency has been lifted. Mississippi
Gov. Haley Barbour declared a state of emergency on Aug. 28
before the storm made landfall along the Gulf
Coast. Exceptions
to the price gouging rule exist, such as one that allows
merchants to raise their price to cover increased cost as
they replenish their supply. Violation of the price gouging
laws carries criminal penalties of up to five years in the
state penitentiary. Another
activity that often occurs after a disaster is requests for
money from fraudulent charities. Shaffett, who specializes
in family resource management in MSU's School of Human
Sciences, urged generous donors to use caution when giving
to what sounds like a good cause. "Examine
your options and don't feel like you have to give to the
first charity that approaches you," Shaffett said. "Donate
by check and don't give cash, especially for sizeable
donations. Give to known, reputable organizations. Question
someone who comes door-to-door or who stands on a corner
asking for donations." In
Mississippi, the Secretary of State's office governs
charities, and can provide information on such things as how
much of the money goes to charity rather than being spent on
administration or fund-raising. "The
bottom line is to examine your options when you want to give
to charity and be wary of people who are long on emotion and
short on facts," Shaffett said. According
to their Web site, the Better Business Bureau encourages the
public to contribute to causes that will assist the families
and victims of any catastrophe. "Donors
should make certain, however, that the charity is properly
registered with appropriate state government agencies, that
it describes exactly what it will do to address the needs of
victims, and that it is willing to provide written
information about its finances and programs," their Web site
states. Do
not hesitate to ask for written information that describes
the charity's programs and finances such as its latest
annual report and financial statements. Even newly created
organizations should have some basic information available.
Be wary of charities that are reluctant to answer reasonable
questions about their operations, finances and
programs. -30- Released:
Sept. 1, 2005
Family,
Youth & Consumer News
Beware of
frauds in wake of the disaster
Contact: Dr. Bobbie Shaffett, (662) 325-7830
Visit: DAFVM
|| USDA
Search our Site ||
Need more information about this subject?
Last Modified: Friday, 19-Dec-08 10:29:10
URL: http://msucares.com/news/print/fcenews/fce05/050901fraud.html
Mississippi State University
is an equal opportunity institution.
Recommendations on this web site do not endorse
any commercial products or trade names.