Anti-Price Gouging Act In Effect During VA State Of Emergency

VIRGINIA — As Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency Thursday amid the new coronavirus outbreak, anti-price gouging statutes take effect. The Virginia Post-Disaster Anti-Price Gouging Act is aimed at protect consumers from paying unreasonably high prices for necessities during an emergency.

What allows the price gouging protections to take effect?

The Virginia Post-Disaster Anti-Price Gouging Act, enacted in 2004, is designed to prevent exhorting pricing in the 30 days following a state of emergency declaration. If the state of emergency is extended within 30 days, the time period for the anti-price gouging statutes is also renewed for 30 days.

What items does the anti-gouging act cover?

The law is meant to cover goods and services which are needed or are likely to see increasing prices during a disaster. The Virginia Post-Disaster Anti-Price Gouging Act includes but isn't limited to "water, ice, food items or supplies, property or services for emergency cleanup, emergency supplies, communication supplies and services, medical supplies and services, home heating fuel, building materials and services, tree removal supplies and services, freight, storage services, housing, lodging, transportation, and motor fuels."

SEE ALSO: Virginia Coronavirus Updates: What You Need To Know

What constitutes price gouging under the law?

It is considered price gouging when the price grossly exceeds the price charged for the same or similar goods or services during the 10 days before the disaster. If the good or service was available at a reduced price before the disaster, the regular price will be used as the benchmark. Price increases may not be deemed "unconscionable" if there's proof the supplier incurred additional costs during the time of disaster of proof of regular seasonal or holiday adjustment of pricing.

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What can I do about suspected price gouging?

Virginia Attorney General Herring’s Consumer Protection Section handles complaints about price gouging. The attorney general's office will investigate, and violations can be enforced through the Virginia Consumer Protection Act.

Complaints can be reported by calling 800-552-9963, emailing consumer@oag.state.va.us, or filling out the price gouging complaint form. More information about the complaint filing process is available here.