09/26/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/26/2024 08:46
For Immediate Release:
Thursday, September 26, 2024
Contact: Nazneen Ahmed
919-716-0060
(RALEIGH) Attorney General Josh Stein today announced that North Carolina's price gouging law is in effect in preparation for Hurricane Helene. The Department of Justice reviews price gouging complaints closely and Attorney General Stein will hold price gougers accountable for breaking the law.
"Hurricane Helene is expected to impact much of the state, especially the Piedmont and mountains," said Attorney General Josh Stein. "Make sure you are prepared and follow local emergency guidelines. As you prepare for the storm and it concludes, watch out for price gougers, and report it to my office if you see it."
North Carolina's law against price gouging, or charging too much in times of a crisis, goes into effect when the governor or the legislature declares a state of emergency. In some cases, businesses and industries that are heavily impacted by the incident causing the state of emergency have a reasonable need to increase prices in order to resupply, but they should disclose these increases so people can make informed purchasing decisions. Businesses cannot, however, unreasonably raise the price of goods or services to profit from a state of emergency.
Ahead of the storm, make sure to follow proper storm preparation tips:
For general tips on preparing for a disaster, visit www.readync.org.
Following the storm, please report potential price gouging by calling 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or by filing a complaint at https://ncdoj.gov/pricegouging.
Since 2018, Attorney General Stein has brought 12 lawsuits against 29 defendants under North Carolina's price gouging statute. He has obtained 14 judgments or settlements totaling $1,080,000 against 25 defendants, including a $274,000 settlement that was the largest price gouging settlement in the department's history.
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