Quick Answer: Report price gouging to your state Attorney General’s office immediately. All 50 states have price gouging laws that activate during declared emergencies (hurricanes, pandemics, inflation). File online at your state AG website or call your state’s consumer protection hotline.
What is Price Gouging?
Price gouging occurs when sellers raise prices excessively on essential goods during an emergency or disaster. This includes food, water, gas, medicine, generators, hotel rooms, and emergency supplies.
Most states define price gouging as price increases of 10-25% or more above pre-emergency prices. Laws activate during declared states of emergency at state or federal level.
Where to Report Price Gouging
1. State Attorney General’s Office
Each state’s Attorney General enforces price gouging laws. Find your state AG at NAAG.org/attorney-general-directory
Examples:
- California: oag.ca.gov/report or 1-800-952-5225
- Florida: MyFloridaLegal.com or 1-866-966-7226
- Texas: TexasAttorneyGeneral.gov or 1-800-621-0508
- New York: ag.ny.gov/price-gouging or 1-800-771-7755
2. Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Website: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Phone: 1-877-FTC-HELP
3. State Consumer Protection Office
Many states have dedicated consumer protection divisions that handle price gouging complaints alongside the AG’s office.
Step-by-Step: How to Report Price Gouging
Step 1: Document the Price Increase
Take photos of:
- Current high price (in-store or online)
- Date and location
- Product description and brand
- Any receipts from before the emergency showing normal prices
Step 2: Report to Your State AG
File online at your state Attorney General’s website. Most states have dedicated price gouging complaint forms during emergencies.
Step 3: Include Key Information
- Business name and location
- Product/service affected
- Current price vs. pre-emergency price
- Date of purchase or observation
- Photos and receipts
What Happens After You Report?
State Attorneys General investigate price gouging complaints and can:
- Issue cease and desist orders
- Require refunds to consumers
- Fine businesses (penalties range from $1,000 to $25,000 per violation)
- Pursue criminal charges in extreme cases
Frequently Asked Questions
Is price gouging illegal in all states?
Yes, all 50 states have some form of price gouging protection. Laws vary—some apply only during declared emergencies, others apply year-round to essential goods.
What percentage increase is considered price gouging?
Most states consider increases of 10-25% or more to be price gouging during emergencies. Some states use “unconscionable” or “grossly excessive” standards instead of specific percentages.
Can I report price gouging on Amazon or online stores?
Yes. Report to your state AG and also to the platform (Amazon, eBay) using their price gouging report feature. Many platforms ban price gouging in their seller policies.
Does price gouging apply to gas stations?
Yes, most state price gouging laws specifically include gasoline and fuel.