Price Gouging Law Enforced in South Carolina as Hurricane Helene Approaches

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Price Gouging Law Activated Amid Hurricane Helene Preparation

As Hurricane Helene approaches, residents of Columbia and surrounding areas are bracing themselves for potential impacts. To protect the public from excessive pricing, South Carolina’s Attorney General, Alan Wilson, has announced that the state’s price gouging law is now in full effect. This declaration came shortly after the governor issued a state of emergency in anticipation of the hurricane’s effects on our region.

Understanding the Price Gouging Law

So, what does this law entail? The price gouging law, codified as SC §39-5-145, is basically a shield for consumers during periods of emergency like this one. It prohibits businesses from charging outrageous prices for essential goods and services. This law will remain in force until the state of emergency is officially lifted.

Under this law, anyone found guilty of price gouging could face strict penalties. Such actions are classified as a misdemeanor and can come with a penalty of up to $1,000 in fines and/or up to 30 days in jail. Attorney General Wilson has made it clear that residents should not tolerate unfair pricing practices during this challenging time.

What Constitutes Price Gouging?

With the hurricane potentially impacting our state, it’s important for everyone to understand what qualifies as price gouging. According to Wilson, while it’s normal to see some price increases during emergencies, there’s a line that shouldn’t be crossed. Prices that spike unreasonably for necessities like food, gasoline, and lodging, especially in the wake of a disaster, could be considered price gouging.

Wilson emphasized the need for vigilance in the coming days. “We can expect normal price increases, and those are not considered price gouging under our law,” he explained. “But we may see businesses and individuals looking to unfairly take advantage of the situation through price gouging.” This clearly indicates that while some increase is expected, gouging actions that exploit the situation will not be tolerated.

How to Report Price Gouging

If you believe you’ve stumbled upon price gouging, it’s vital to report it. The attorney general’s office has set up a few straightforward methods for you to share your experiences. If you witness a potential violation, you can:

• Email your reports and any supporting documentation to pricegouging@scag.gov.
• Visit the official Attorney General’s website for reporting.
• Leave a message by calling 803-737-3953, detailing what you’ve observed.

By sharing these details, you’re playing an important role in helping authorities keep the situation in check during this precarious time.

Staying Prepared

Remember, while we’re all concerned about the impact of Hurricane Helene, we also need to look out for one another. Let’s ensure that our local businesses are fair and that no one tries to exploit the situation. Columbia, stay safe and let’s be ready for whatever comes our way!