Price gouging and fraud are top priorities for the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission | Wilnesh News

As Hurricane Milton makes landfall in western Florida on Wednesday, the Biden administration Warn consumers and businesses with increased risks of potential fraud, price gouging and collusion that accompany major natural disasters.

“Bad elements are seeking to exploit the opportunities and victims of natural disasters for personal gain,” U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana Ronald Gass Jr. said in a statement.

FTC Chairwoman Lena Khan said the FTC “has heard disturbing reports of price gouging on essential items that people need to get out of harm’s way – from hotels to groceries to gas.”

As of noon ET on Wednesday, nearly a quarter of Florida gas stations were out of gas. According to Patrick DeHaanan oil and gas analyst who tracks pump supplies.

“Companies, please note: Do not use hurricanes as an excuse to exploit others through unlawful conduct,” said Manish Kumar, deputy assistant attorney general in the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division.

Most states have laws aimed at curbing price gouging, and many These restrictions are bundled A state of emergency was declared.

Several major airlines and retailers told CNBC in recent days that they had frozen prices ahead of the storm.

“In the event of any emergency, all of our prices will be frozen,” Kelly Mayhall, president of Home Depot’s southern division, told CNBC on Wednesday.

Amid historic hurricane season, Biden administration Quote Some issues consumers need to be wary of include fraudulent charities claiming to raise funds for disaster victims, scammers trying to obtain personal information or money, and exorbitant pricing of essential goods.

Vice President Kamala Harris said in a statement Wednesday: “Any company or individual seeking to exploit Americans during this emergency should know that the government is monitoring allegations of fraud and price gouging and will hold accountable those who take advantage of this crisis.” The person is responsible for the situation.

Hurricane Milton moved through the Gulf of Mexico as a Category 4 storm early Wednesday afternoon and was expected to hit the western Gulf Coast in Florence between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. ET, according to NBC News meteorologists.

The National Hurricane Center warned that evacuations and other precautions should be completed by early Wednesday.

In September, Hurricane Helene caused widespread destruction in the South and killed more than 230 people. North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein also warn Price gouging in his state.

This is a developing story, please check back for updates.