Watch Out For Price Gouging Scams During Hurricane Florence

RALEIGH, NC (September 11, 2018) — As Hurricane Florence approaches our coast this week, all of North Carolina is under a state of emergency. This means that our state’s price gouging law is in effect as well. Price gouging occurs if businesses or vendors charge excessively high prices in a time of crisis. If you notice businesses in your area charging too much while under a state of emergency, report them to our office by calling 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or by filing a complaint online at http://ncdoj.gov/pricegougingcomplaint. The price gouging law took effect when the state of emergency was declared on Friday, Sept. 7, and will remain in effect until the state of emergency is lifted.

As we track the storm’s progress over the next few days, please be sure to follow readync.org for state weather updates and safety alerts. You can also read more from Attorney General Josh Stein on how to prepare for natural disasters and their aftermath.