NY Attorney General: 25% Of Gas Stations "Engage In Deceptive Practices"

New York’s Attorney General, Andrew Cuomo, is warning consumers after an undercover investigation found that 25% of gas stations are engaging in “deceptive practices, including wrongfully surcharging credit card customers.” The AG says that under New York state law, retailers are not allowed to impose surcharges for using a credit card.

The AG also said that the stations were engaging in false advertising by only listing the lower cash prices on signs, leading to nasty surprises for consumers once they parked at the pump.

“With drivers hitting the road this weekend and gas prices through the roof, the last thing New York City drivers need are gas stations hitting them with exorbitant prices for paying with a credit card,” said Attorney General Cuomo. “Drivers across New York City need to be on the guard for gas stations that engage in deceptive practices to squeeze every last dollar out of their customers. Our investigation revealed that New York City is rife with gas stations that engage in deceptive practices where they display one price as a way to lure customers – and then charge them more at the pump.”

Consumers who see gas stations prominently advertising the cash-only price on primary signage and then indicating at the pump that credit card customers will be charged more are urged to contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Helpline at 1-800-996-4630.

For more information about how credit card surcharges work, click here. Remember, your state laws will vary.

ATTORNEY GENERAL CUOMO ISSUES CONSUMER ALERT FOR NYC DRIVERS AFTER INVESTIGATION REVEALS NEARLY 25% OF NYC AREA GAS STATIONS INSPECTED ENGAGED IN DECEPTIVE PRACTICES [NY AG]
(Photo: whatatravisty )

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