Palmetto State News

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced that the state's price gouging law is now in effect following Gov. Henry McMaster's declaration of a state of emergency due to Hurricane Helene.

“With the possibility that Hurricane Helene could affect South Carolina after making landfall in Florida, we all need to be prepared. We can expect normal price increases, and those are not considered price gouging under our law. But we may see businesses and individuals looking to unfairly take advantage of the situation through price gouging of food, gasoline, lodging, and other commodities as defined by the statute. By our law, that’s a criminal violation and an unfair trade practice,” Wilson said.

The state's price gouging law (SC §39-5-145) prohibits excessive pricing during times of disaster. The law remains effective until the state of emergency expires or is terminated. Violators can face charges for excessive pricing, which is a misdemeanor offense punishable by a $1,000 fine and/or 30 days in jail.

Normal fluctuations in prices are expected and are not considered price gouging. However, if consumers believe they are victims of price gouging, they should take certain steps to assist the Attorney General's office in investigating:

1. Note the time, place, address, and name of the business.

2. Identify the product or service.

3. Provide any receipts or pictures documenting the increased prices.

This information should be emailed to [email protected]. Alternatively, it can be submitted via their website at https://www.scag.gov/price-gouging/. Those without email or internet access can call 803-737-3953 to leave a message with details necessary for an investigation.