News You Can Use

March 23, 2007

Price Gouging Complaints

Within months of Pennsylvania's Price Gouging Law becoming effective, it is being tested. The 2007 mid-February snow storm triggered a statewide disaster emergency declaration. In turn, price gouging protections passed by the State Legislature went into effect for a 120 day period.

According to the PA Office of Attorney General, residents have recourse when businesses and service-providers increase prices for consumer goods and services more than 20% above average prices set before a storm. Current price gouging complaints are directed at increases for heating fuel, gasoline, and other products.

Report possible price gouging to the Attorney General's Hotline at 800-441-2555. Access instructions and the form for filing a complaint with the Bureau of Consumer Protection. Complaints may be submitted online or by mail.

The PA Attorney General reminds consumers and businesses about price gouging during a declared state of emergency. Review the Price Gouging Act of 2006 (PDF) to further understand your protections under the law.

Identity Theft Action Plan

Nine million Americans are affected annually by identity theft. Would you know what to do if you loose your wallet? What if unexplained charges show up on your credit card or irregularities appear on your bank statement?

The Identity Theft Action Plan is aimed at helping you recover should you become the victim of this crime. Potential financial losses and a damaged credit rating may be averted by completing and safely storing away critical information.

Pennsylvania's Identity Theft Action Plan website provides a form to facilitate your recovery. Print the form and gather all credit cards, bank account information, and your driver's license. Be sure to follow instructions for recording credit and ATM cards, logging only the last four card numbers and the phone number for lost or stolen cards. Your financial institutions can access your accounts with your Social Security Number.

The form provides the phone number for the three credit reporting agencies allowing you to immediately request a "fraud alert" be put on your account. Other important numbers include the Department of Motor Vehicles for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the Federal Trade Commission, and the U.S. Department of State for reporting a lost or stolen passport. Space is provided to enter contact information for your local police department.

Access the form (PDF) and start your own Identity Theft Action Plan. Don't stop there. See more "Prevention Tips You Should Know."

Pet Food Contamination & PA

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is working with federal officials, Menu Foods and pet food distributors to remove recalled pet food from store shelves. Specific wet food products labeled "Cuts in Gravy" and manufactured by Menu Foods of Ontario are the target of the recall.

While the cause of the illness is being investigated, officials advise owners to discontinue feeding the product to a pet. Dogs and cats previously consuming certain pet foods should be observed for symptoms of illness, including loss of appetite, lethargy, or vomiting. Pet owners should contact a veterinarian if symptoms appear.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) offers advice if you suspect your pet has been affected by the recalled pet food. Take three steps to assist your vet in diagnosing your pet's condition:

Retain food samples for analysis
Document product name, types of product, and manufacturing information
Document product consumption including dates they were fed; consumption and palatability history; time of onset of clinical signs; and, a detailed dietary history including all products fed and feeding methods utilized.

Find more on the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) advice and the PA Department of Ag's Support of Recall Efforts.

Access the complete list of recalled products at or call 866-463-6738 or 866-895-2708. Find the latest on the pet food recall from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration go to. To report adverse reactions or other problems with FDA-regulated products access the FDA's Consumer Complaint Coordinator list.

Approved Trout Waters

The 2007 trout season kicks off in a matter of weeks. Eighteen counties in southeast and southcentral Pennsylvania will find fishermen on the banks of approved trout waters on March 31, while those in the remainder of the state will be out two weeks later on April 14.

Climate differences within the state and stocking considerations motivated the change, according to the PA Fish & Boat Commission. Whether you intend to take advantage of the earlier season or the traditional opening day of trout season, there are other changes for the 2007 season.

Contact the PF&BC Office of Law Enforcement for regulations, permits, and related fishing and boating information. Questions regarding boating safety, education and other fishing and boating programs should be directed to the Education division. Access the PF&BC Directory of Regional Offices for the Law Enforcement and Education divisions in your region.

Consult the online index to the 2007 PA Fishing Laws & Regulations broken into six primary categories, including regulations by location and by species, with a separate section for trout fishing.

If you haven't purchased your PA fishing license, you may apply by mail, online or in person. Select a conveniently located PA Fish License Issuing Agent or choose online licensing.

Hiking PA Safely

Whether young or old, novice or veteran, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR) offers hikers a wealth of information for a safe and enjoyable experience. From gear recommendations to hiking guidelines to instructions on leaving behind an itinerary, the DCNR website is prepared to get you ready for spring hiking. Link to DCNR Hiking Safety Information.

Once you are prepared, choose your trail. With the help of the DCNR, hikers may access information related to State Park trailheads, rail trails, and National Scenic Trails. VisitPA.com can help you plan a choice hiking experience, guiding you to one of our 117 state parks and their more than 1,000 miles of trails. Don't worry if you feel like staying closer to home, no matter where you are in Pennsylvania you are never more than 25 miles from a state park.

New Wine Sales Program

Pennsylvania wine lovers have new reasons to cheer. The ever popular Chairman's Selection program is joined by the Sommelier Collection and the Power Purchase Program, according to the PA Liquor Control Board.

Along with the release of more than 50 new Chairman's Selections for spring 2007, the new Sommelier Collection will offer sommelier-selected, small-production, highly rated wines from some of the finest producers and growing regions in the world at significant savings.

The Power Purchase Program will be conducted only at selected Wine & Spirit stores around the state, while wines from the Chairman's Selection Program will be stocked in select premium collection stores around the state.

Power Purchase wines will be priced under $10. Prices for wines from the Sommelier Collection will retail for $29.99 and up. For more see the PLCB Announcement on new wine programs. See the PA Liquor Control Board Wine & Spirits Premium Collection.