CHARLESTON — Attorney General JB McCuskey warns against price gouging following horrific flooding that hit parts of the state this weekend. On Sunday, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency for hard-hit Ohio and Marion Counties. People in those counties are dealing with the aftermath of flash flooding that tragically took innocent lives, destroyed homes, washed away roads and knocked out power and water to thousands.
The state’s price gouging laws are now in effect, specifically prohibiting any person, business or contractor from inflating the price of select consumer items or contracting services or cleanup by more than 10 percent of what the items sold for 10 days prior to the emergency declaration. The list includes any food items, essential consumer items and emergency supplies
“My heart breaks for the people impacted by this flooding. We want to make sure everyone is protected during this difficult time, and our price gouging laws give us the ability to go after anyone who would try to take advantage of people in need,” Attorney General McCuskey said.
The law takes effect during any state of emergency and remains in effect until the declaration is lifted or 30 days, whichever is longer, subject to limited exceptions.
The Attorney General urges any consumer who sees prices or believes they may have been charged prices that increased dramatically after the state of emergency declaration, to file a price gouging complaint. Those with a receipt should attach a copy to their complaint. You can find the price gouging complaint form at www.wvago.gov.
Anyone with a question about price gouging laws or who believes they have been a victim of price gouging should call the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-368-8808 or visit the office online at www.wvago.gov.
