Operators of a Long Branch landscaping firm will pay $33,000 to settle state allegations of post-Superstorm price gouging for generators and illegally selling fuel to drivers.

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Stephen's Landscaping, trading at Stephen's Garden Center, sold defective diesel generators that were recalled for potential fuel leaks and fire hazards before Sandy arrived, in violation of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, according to information from the office of acting state Attorney General John J. Hoffman.

Prosecutors contended that the company sold 132 generators at markups as high as 80.35 percent after the state of emergency was declared on October 27, 2012. New Jersey law limits additional markups to 10 percent for certain items during declared states of emergency.

The company was also accused of peddling fuel without a license during the period in which breakdowns in gasoline delivery systems forced drivers to endure long lines at service stations.

Investigators alleged that Stephen's sold 44 five-gallon cans of gasoline, charging $50 each.

In the final consent judgement, the New Jersey Divison of Consumer Affairs (DCA) agreed to suspend an additional $45,870.50 in payments, with the intent of vacating it after one year of Stephen's Landscaping adheres to all terms.

DCA claims to have meted out more than $1.1 million in civil penalties, restitution and costs against businesses accused of price gouging in the aftermath of the Superstorm.

DCA maintains an online complaint center for consumers who believe that they have been cheated by business operators. The toll free phone number in New Jersey is 800-242-5846.

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