Attorney General Roy Cooper: Watch out for price gouging


Hurricane Matthew may be headed to North Carolina and consumers need to be alert for possible price gouging.

While most businesses pull together when disaster threatens, some may try to use this storm to charge outrageous prices. Price gouging—or charging too much in times of crisis—is against North Carolina law when a disaster, an emergency or an abnormal market disruption for critical goods and services is declared.

North Carolina’s price gouging law is currently in effect for all goods and services in 66 counties in central and eastern North Carolina due to potential impacts from Hurricane Matthew for all goods and services.

North Carolina’s price gouging law remains in effect statewide for gasoline until October 16. We are currently investigating nine gas stations and one gas wholesaler for alleged gas price gouging reported by consumers.

If you believe you’ve spotted price gouging, call our office at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM toll-free in NC or file a complaint online at ncdoj.gov

To avoid scams that may follow severe weather, see our tips on disaster repair and tree removal at ncdoj.gov/disasters.

For tips on how to prepare for the threat of a hurricane, visit ready.gov/hurricanes.

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