South Carolina price-gouging law deployed for Matthew

Would-be price gougers beware: South Carolina has deployed its anti-gouging statute, opening the door for stiff fines or jail time for businesses that raise prices excessively in time of disaster.

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the statue was in effect Oct. 4, once Gov. Nikki Haley issued her executive order declaring a state of emergency as major Hurricane Matthew bears down on the coast.

“We may ... see some looking to unfairly take advantage of the situation through price gouging of food, gasoline, lodging, water and any other commodities as defined by the statute,” Wilson said in a news release. “Pursuant to state law, price gouging constitutes a criminal violation and an unfair trade practice.”

If you witness or become aware of price gouging, Wilson asks that you email examples or documentation to pricegouging@scag.gov, tweet about them with an @SCPriceGouging tag or call 803-737-3953.”

The price gouging law (SC 39-5-145) is a general prohibition of unconscionable prices during times of disaster. It is in effect for the next 15 days. Price gougers can be charged for excessive pricing, a misdemeanor offense punishable with a $1,000 fine and/or 30 days in jail.

View the price gouging statute here.

View a related 2014 Attorney General’s office opinion on price gouging.

This story was originally published October 4, 2016 at 4:52 PM with the headline "South Carolina price-gouging law deployed for Matthew."