Attorney General Alan Wilson announces state's law against price gouging now in effect ahead of winter storm

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) –South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced today that the state’s law against price gouging is now in effect since Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency ahead of a winter storm expected to hit South Carolina.

"This is just a precaution, and we're not seeing any impacts yet, but we have to be prepared. If this storm does cause problems, we could see normal price increases for goods and services, and those are not considered price gouging under our law. But we may see businesses and individuals try to unfairly take advantage of the situation through price gouging of food, gasoline, lodging, other commodities, and services like tree removal, as defined by the statute. By our law, that’s a criminal violation and an unfair trade practice,” Attorney General Wilson said.

The price gouging law (SC §39-5-145) is a general prohibition of unconscionable prices during times of disaster. It is 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.

Normal fluctuations in price are to be expected and are not price gouging, but if you feel like you are the victim of price gouging, there are certain steps you can take to help our office investigate. Please do the following:

1. Note the time, place, address, and name of the gas station or business.
2. Note the price you paid.
3. Note any prices nearby and get the same information on those stations or businesses.
4. Take photos to identify the business, along with the price.
5. Provide your name and contact information.

Our office will need that information to conduct a thorough investigation. Please email any examples and documentation to [email protected]. You can also provide that information on our website at https://www.scag.gov/price-gouging/. If you don’t have access to email or our website, you may call 803-737-3953 and leave a message if you have witnessed a likely violation. Please include the details we will need to be able to investigate.