SC Attorney General: State’s price gouging law in effect

(WSPA) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced Thursday that the state’s law against price gouging is now in effect after Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency due to Hurricane Helene.

The price gouging law (SC §39-5-145) is a general prohibition of unconscionable prices during times of disaster.

The law is in effect until the state of emergency expires or is terminated.

Price gougers can be charged for excessive pricing, a misdemeanor offense punishable by a $1,000 fine and/or 30 days in jail. Officials said normal fluctuations in price are to be expected and are not price gouging.

Anyone who feels that they are a victim of price gouging there are certain steps that can be taken to help the SC Attorney General’s Office investigate such as:

• Note the time, place, address, and name of the gas station or business
• Note the price you paid
• Note any prices nearby and get the same information on those stations or businesses
• Take pictures that identify the business, along with the price
• Provide your name and contact information

The office asked to email any examples and documentation to pricegouging@scag.gov or give information on the website at https://www.scag.gov/price-gouging/ .

Individuals that don’t have access to email or the website, can call 803-737-3953 and leave a message with the details needed to be able to investigate.

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