Price gouging law in effect to prevent unreasonable prices during Hurricane Florence
[gtxvideo vid=’KdsHTVpr’ thumb=’http://player.gtxcel.com/thumbs/KdsHTVpr.jpg’ vtitle=’Price Gouging Video’]
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) – State Attorney General Alan Wilson announced today that state’s price-gouging law is in effect.
The laws is designed to prevent individuals from raising prices of necessities, such as food, lodging and gasoline, during times of disaster. It goes into effect when a state of emergency is declared and runs until the state of emergency expires or is terminated.
The state attorney general’s office also states that normal fluctuations in price are to be expected, but if you feel like you are the victim of price gouging there are steps you can take to inform their office.
- Note the time, place, address and name of the gas station or business
- Note the price you paid
- Note any prices nearby and get the same information on those stations or businesses
- Take pictures that identify the business, along with the price
- Provide your name and contact information
The attorney general’s office needs that information to conduct a thorough investigation. You can email any examples or documentation to pricegouging@scag.gov or call 803-737-3953
Below is a PSA provided by South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson explaining more on the law.
In addition to monitoring gas prices, it is important to know what locations in your area continue to have fuel in the coming days, as some might run out or close do to weather. For the most up to date information, Gas Buddy is offering a free tracker of gas station locations, for more information check out their site at tracker.gasbuddy.com.
