South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced that the state’s law against price gouging is now in effect since Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency because of Hurricane Helene.
“With the possibility that Hurricane Helene could affect South Carolina after making landfall in Florida, we all need to be prepared,” Wilson said in a release. “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,” Wilson added. “By our law, that’s a criminal violation and an unfair trade practice.”
The price gouging law is a general prohibition of unconscionable prices during times of disaster. It remains in effect until the state of emergency expires or is terminated.
Price gougers can be charged for excessive pricing, a misdemeanor offense punishable by a $1,000 fine and/or 30 days in jail.
