Price-Gouging Law Activates in Virginia After State of Emergency Declared

As Virginians prepare for this weekend’s winter storm that is forecast to blanket the region with inches of snow, freezing rain, and sleet, consumers are asked to report suspected cases of price gouging to state authorities.

Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s Thursday afternoon declaration of a state of emergency due to the anticipated severe winter weather triggered Virginia’s anti-gouging statutes, which protect consumers from paying “outrageously high prices” for essential goods during an emergency.

Protected items and services include water, ice, food, generators, batteries, home repair materials and services, and tree removal services.

The office of Attorney General Jay Jones said shoppers who suspect they are victims of price gouging can call the Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 552 -9963, email consumer@oag.state.va.us, or download a complaint form.

Federal agencies have warned that price gouging often increases in the wake of natural disasters, and Jones’ office has provided guidance on spotting unfairly inflated costs.

“The basic test for determining if a price is unconscionable is whether the post-disaster price grossly exceeds the price charged for the same good or services during the 10 days immediately prior to the disaster,” the office stated in a release.

The Attorney General will investigate complaints, except those concerning gasoline or motor fuel prices. Those are handled by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Virginia officials are projecting snowfall to begin Saturday evening and end Monday morning, with freezing temperatures expected to continue through Thursday.

by Nathaniel Cline, Virginia Mercury

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