The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) is encouraging consumers to be aware of price gouging, as Governor Haley declared a State of Emergency in response to Hurricane Matthew.
“Our state is still recovering from the catastrophic damage caused by the floods in 2015, and as we have witnessed before, we will see many neighbors helping each other during this delicate time,” stated SC Attorney General Alan Wilson. “However, we may also see some looking to unfairly take advantage of the situation through price gouging of food, gasoline, lodging, water and any other commodities as defined by the statute.”
Price gouging happens when a business offers a product or service at a much higher price than the average price of the product or service in the 30 days prior to the State of Emergency.
Price gouging only happens when either (1) the Governor, (2) the Attorney General or (3) the President has declared a State of Emergency.
The price gouging law (SC 39-5-145) is a general prohibition of unconscionable prices during times of disaster. It is in effect for the next 15 days. Price gougers can be charged for excessive pricing, a misdemeanor offense punishable with a $1,000 fine and/or 30 days in jail.
They can also email any examples or documentation to [email protected]; tweet photos or examples tagging @SCPriceGouging; or call 803-737-3953 if they have witnessed a likely violation.
Consumers who believe they are victims of price gouging are encouraged to keep documentation of the good or service purchased and report it to the police.
For more details on how to avoid price gouging, visit www.consumer.sc.gov and click on News Releases and Publications, then click SCDCA Spotlights.
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