In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, consumers in New York are complaining about having to pay more for services than they would normally. The New York State Attorney General's office is investigating accusations of price gouging. State officials are highlighting the issue to deter gougers from preying on victims of the storm.
“This is a different day, my friend.” That’s what a cab driver recently said when this reporter protested his attempt to charge $30 for what would usually be a $10 ride.
A spike in demand for taxis, generators, batteries, hotel rooms and gasoline during and after last week's storm prompted a few vendors to charge exorbitant prices for goods and services.
Al Ridolfo, a hotel manager, says some of his competitors charged $800 for a $300 room. And he paid $25 for an $8 set of radio batteries.
“There are just these few businesses. They see money, their eyes go wild - dollar signs in their eyes," he said. "And it’s really bad. It’s bad for the city; it’s bad for the other businesses”
The attorney general says several hundred cases of price gouging have been reported since the storm hit New York state, which has a total population of more than 19 million people.
New York University law professor Eleanor Fox says that is a small percentage. Prosecutors intend to keep it that way.
“In the very extreme cases, where you look at the law and you look at what was done, and you know that person did wrong, the person will probably want to settle," she said. "So, assume the person settles, the attorney general would want to issue press releases and make a very big deal about the fact that this is happening and it is wrong.”
One private online Craigslist ad offers gas at $15 per four liters, more than triple the usual price. Fox says reselling goods at a higher price is not considered gouging. But retailers are prohibited from charging what the law refers to as “an unconscionably excessive price.” The penalty for doing so is a fine of up to $25,000 and, where appropriate, restitution to aggrieved consumers.
大运会必备接待口语
英语口语主题:交际英语热门话题47个(14--同事之间)
实用口语情景轻松学:交通高峰期影响车速
2011年实用口语练习:表达鼓励的10句英语
英语口语主题:交际英语热门话题47个(25--竞选和辩论)
实用口语情景轻松学:我怀疑我是否能及格
口语情景对话:走遍美国精选 没问题ACT 2 - 1
实用口语:Bob Brings Cookies to the market
2011年实用口语练习:Arrival 入学报到啦
实用口语情景轻松学:您要的早餐送上来了
实用口语情景轻松学:奶奶过生日美颠儿颠儿的
2011年实用口语练习:这只是“权宜之计”
英语口语主题:交际英语热门话题47个(3--邀请)
实用口语情景轻松学:我想买个数码摄像机
趣味英语:搭讪十大妙招
实用口语:你以为你是谁啊?
2011年实用口语练习:“淘金热”
2011年实用口语练习:实用英语串烧
20条地道实用英语句型(1)
如何用英语表达“你得减肥了”
口语情景对话:走遍美国精选 偷得浮生半日闲ACT 1 - 2
疯狂口语要素精选 17
疯狂口语要素精选 6
实用口语:浪漫 Romance
实用口语情景轻松学:有假钞的时候要送到银行去
最常用的26句生活用语
那些美剧告诉你的事儿
实用口语情景轻松学:我没在海里游过泳
英语口语主题:交际英语热门话题47个(6--闲聊)
实用口语:Singing With Friends
不限 |
英语教案 |
英语课件 |
英语试题 |
不限 |
不限 |
上册 |
下册 |
不限 |