SC Attorney announces state’s price gouging law in effect
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson says the law against price gouging in the state is now in effect since Governor McMaster declared a state of emergency on Sunday.
“With the possibility that Tropical Storm Debby could affect South Carolina after making landfall in Florida, we all need to be prepared. We can expect normal price increases, and those are not considered price gouging under our law. But we may see businesses and individuals looking to unfairly take advantage of the situation through price gouging of food, gasoline, lodging, and other commodities as defined by the statute. By our law, that’s a criminal violation and an unfair trade practice,” Wilson says.
The price gouging law (SC §39-5-145) is a general prohibition of unconscionable prices during times of disaster.
Price gougers can be charged for excessive pricing, a misdemeanor offense punishable by a $1,000 fine and/or 30 days in jail.
Wilson says it is in effect until the state of emergency expires or is terminated.
If you feel like you are a victim of price gouging there are certain steps you can take to help the attorney general’s office investigate:
- 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.
You can email that information to pricegouging@scag.gov, or submit it to the website at https://www.scag.gov/price-
If you don’t have access to email or their website, you can call 803-737-3953 and leave a message if you have witnessed a likely violation.
