Stay Safe and Avoid Scams: Price Gouging Law in Effect in North Carolina

RALEIGH, NC (December 7, 2018) — The price gouging law that protects consumers from scammers is now in effect in North Carolina after Governor Roy Cooper declared a statewide state of emergency as a winter storm approaches this weekend. Attorney General Josh Stein notified businesses and consumers today to be on the lookout for any issues.

“As the season’s first winter storm approaches, I want to remind North Carolinians that my office is here to protect them from price gougers,” said Attorney General Josh Stein. “Under a state of emergency, it is against the law to charge excessive prices. If you see a business taking advantage of this storm, please let my office know so we can hold them accountable.”

North Carolina has a strong statute against price gouging – charging too much during a time of crisis – that is tied directly to a declaration of a state of emergency. When Governor Cooper declared a state of emergency for North Carolina on Friday, December 7, the statute went into effect for the entire state and will remain so until the state of emergency is lifted.

Attorney General Stein and the North Carolina Department of Justice will be reviewing complaints from consumers closely over the next several weeks and are prepared to take action against any businesses engaging in price gouging activities. Please report potential price gouging by calling 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or file a complaint at www.ncdoj.gov/gouging.