Attorney General Josh Stein has issued a warning to North Carolina residents and businesses as Tropical Storm Debby approaches the state.
“Tropical Storm Debby is on track to hit North Carolina,” said Stein. “While we don’t yet know how significant the damage could be, we do know how to prepare for storms. If you live in the potential path, please monitor news and weather reports, prepare your emergency supplies, and notify my office if you see any price gouging.”
North Carolina’s Price Gouging Law
Read: Lake Hancock Boat Ramp Closed Due To Tropical Storm Debby: Polk County
North Carolina law prohibits price gouging, which is the act of excessively raising prices during a state of emergency. While some businesses may need to adjust prices due to increased costs, these increases must be reasonable and transparent to consumers. Price gouging, which is defined as taking unfair advantage of a crisis for profit, is strictly illegal.
Reporting Price Gouging
Attorney General Stein encourages anyone who suspects price gouging to report it by calling 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or by filing a complaint online at https://ncdoj.gov/pricegouging. His office has a strong track record of prosecuting price gougers, having secured over $1 million in judgments and settlements since 2018.
Read: Rescues Underway In Sarasota County After Record Rainfall From Hurricane Debby
Stay Safe and Informed
The Attorney General’s office urges North Carolinians to prioritize safety and stay informed about the storm’s progress. By working together and remaining vigilant against price gouging, the state can weather the storm and recover effectively.
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