When crisis comes, so do the crooks.
With that in mind, consumer watchdogs are warning people to wary of overpaying for services and goods they need as a result of the latest weather to wallop the Northeast.
"Unfortunately, alongside acts of goodwill and kindness, a major storm like this also brings out bad actors who take advantage of their customers," New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said in a statement Thursday, also warning vendors, retailers and suppliers against overcharging for emergency service.
(Read more:Thousands of flights canceled due to snowstorm)
"This notification should serve as a reminder to vendors and their consumers that state law prohibits price gouging at times when nature demonstrates its disruptive fury," Schneiderman wrote. "The New York General Business law forbids those who sell essential consumer goods and services from charging excessive prices during what is clearly an abnormal disruption of the market. Those who do so will ultimately see a reduction in their profits, and will be faced with penalties, fines and directives to set up reimbursement funds."
