Wyandotte County District Attorney Mark Dupree is warning residents to be aware of possible price gouging and of potential scams.
Dupree’s warning is in conjunction with the Kansas attorney general’s effort to raise awareness of the possibility of scams and price gouging in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the district attorney’s office.
Kansas law takes effect during the state of emergency, and prohibits a 25 percent increase in the price of goods or services, according to the officials. There is a penalty of up to $10,000 per violation.
So far, the Wyandotte County district attorney’s office has not received any complaints of price gouging in connection with the COVID-19, according to the spokesman.
The district attorney also stated in a news release that residents should be aware of scams related to COVID-19, including the sale of survival guides, natural remedies or unapproved medical treatments. Scams may also include fraudulent charities claiming to raise money for coronavirus research or to support coronavirus patients.
Dupree encouraged residents who have observed a significant increase in pricing or who believe they were victimized by a scam since the emergency was declared to file a complaint with the Kansas attorney general’s consumer protection division at www.InYourCornerKansas.org; or call 800-432-2310 for more information; or contact the Wyandotte County district attorney’s office consumer protection division at 913-573-2851.