ATTORNEY GENERAL CUOMO CAUTIONS CONSUMERS ABOUT THE POTENTIAL PITFALLS OF OIL & GAS LEASES

ALBANY, N.Y. (September 10, 2008) – Attorney General Cuomo today warned landowners of potential perils and strong-arm tactics when dealing with oil and gas exploration companies. His office released new materials and guidelines to protect consumers and ensure they get the best deal for their land should they choose to become involved in an oil or gas exploration lease.

The Attorney General’s Office has become aware of potentially misleading or improper tactics used by certain exploration and development companies to obtain leases from landowners. The office is investigating a significant number of complaints from landowners regarding these tactics and urges anyone who believes they have been defrauded by an unscrupulous representative of a gas exploration company to contact his office at 800-771-7755. A new downloadable tip sheet and brochure can be found online at www.oag.state.ny.us/bureaus/environmental/consumer_guides.html. More...