West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey warned against price gouging during a state of emergency given reports of serious flooding in areas of southern West Virginia.
Laws prohibiting such activity took effect Thursday with the governor’s declaration of a state of emergency in McDowell County.
The state’s price gouging laws specifically prohibit any person, business or contractor from inflating the price of select consumer items by more than 10 percent of what it sold for 10 days prior to the declaration.
“I’m very concerned by the pictures, video and reports coming from McDowell County,” Attorney General Morrisey said. “I join countless others in praying for those impacted.
“West Virginians pull together in times of need. We look forward to working with consumers and businesses to help those most impacted by the flooding,” he added.
The law takes effect during any state of emergency or state of preparedness, as issued by West Virginia’s governor. Price gouging laws remain in effect until the declaration is lifted or 30 days, whichever is longer, subject to limited exceptions.
The Attorney General urges any consumer who believes he or she may have been charged prices that increased dramatically after the state of emergency declaration to file a complaint with his office. There is a button on the Attorney General’s website (www.wvago.gov) to notify the office of suspected price gouging. Those with a receipt should attach a copy to their complaint.
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