North Carolina price gouging law now in effect

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — Now that Gov. Roy Cooper has declared a state of emergency in anticipation of Tropical Storm Debby, the state’s price gouging law is in effect.

“Tropical Storm Debby is on track to hit North Carolina,” said Attorney General Josh Stein. “While we don’t yet know how significant the damage could be, we do know how to prepare for storms. If you live in the potential path, please monitor news and weather reports, prepare your emergency supplies, and notify my office if you see any price gouging.”

North Carolina’s law against 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 unreasonably raise the price of goods or services to profit from a state of emergency.

You can report potential price gouging by calling 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or by filing a complaint here.