How to report price-gouging after the storm
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As Virginia prepares for a potential hurricane event, Governor Ralph Northam's declaration of a state of emergency has triggered Virginia's anti-price gouging statutes designed to protect consumers from paying exorbitant prices for necessities during an emergency.
Enacted in 2004, Virginia's Anti-Price Gouging Act prohibits a supplier from charging “unconscionable prices” for “necessary goods and services” during the thirty day period following a declared state of emergency. Items and services covered by these protections include (but are not limited to): water, ice, food, generators, batteries, home repair materials and services and tree removal services. A price is considered “unconscionable” if the post-disaster price grossly exceeds the price charged for the same or similar item or services during the 10 days prior to the state of emergency, according to Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring.
"[B]e wary of prices that may be higher than normal," Herring said. "Taking advantage of natural disasters and exploiting folks for financial gain is against the law, and I will work to make sure that those who participate in price gouging are brought to justice.”
Violations of Virginia’s Anti-Price Gouging Act are enforceable by the Office of the Attorney General through the Virginia Consumer Protection Act. Complaints should be reported for investigation to the Office of the Attorney General Consumer Protection Section, with the exception of claims related to gasoline and motor fuel prices, which are handled by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Consumers who suspect they are victims of price gouging should call the Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 552-9963 or (804) 786-2042 if calling from the Richmond area and download a complaint form from the attorney general’s website at https://www.oag.state.va.us/consumer-protection/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=181 and submit it in-person or by mail to: Office of the Attorney General of Virginia, Consumer Protection Section, 202 North Ninth Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219; or send a PDF by e-mail to consumer@oag.state.va.us.
A separate complaint form is available for price gouging involving motor fuels. Consumers should keep any relevant documentation and submit copies with their complaint.
