NORTH CAROLINA — Attorney General Jeff Jackson said North Carolina’s price gouging law is in effect as the state prepares for winter weather over the weekend.
The law prohibits businesses and individuals from charging unreasonably excessive prices for goods or services during a declared emergency.
READ MORE: School closures, other cancellations and more due to impending winter storm
Businesses may adjust prices to reflect higher costs or operational impacts but may not raise prices unreasonably to increase profits. Any reasonable price increases must be clearly disclosed to customers before a purchase is made.
“Price gouging is illegal, and we will take action against businesses that violate this law during the state of emergency,” Jackson said in a statement.
The Attorney General’s Office said the law is triggered when a state of emergency is declared and applies across the supply chain, including manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. Courts can impose civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation, and the state may seek refunds for consumers who paid inflated prices.
Consumers can report suspected price gouging to the North Carolina Department of Justice by calling 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or submitting a complaint through the agency’s website.
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