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The Johnson County District Attorney’s office today issued a warning to residents to beware of scams related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
District Attorney Steve Howe said the office has already received reports of suspected price gouging on items including disinfectant wipes. The Kansas Consumer Protection Act prohibits a price increase of 25% or more on goods and services following the declaration of state of emergency. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly declared a state of emergency in response to the pandemic Thursday night after word of the first death in the state from the virus came.
Howe said anyone who has observed a significant price increase in necessary consumer food and health items as well as medical supplies and services should contact the district attorney’s consumer hotline at 913-715-3003.
Moreover, Howe said resident should be vigilant against the “sale of survival guides, natural remedies, or unapproved medical treatments. Fraudsters will exploit consumers’ concerns during this time of uncertainty for their own financial benefit.”
