How do I report illegal price gouging in Virginia during a state of emergency?
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- During a state of emergency, it is illegal for retailers to charge consumers inflated prices for necessities in Virginia. If you come across a retailer that's price gouging, here's how you can report it. On Friday, Jan. 3, Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency across the Commonwealth ahead of the first winter storm of 2025. This state of emergency remains as of Wednesday, Jan. 8, especially as Richmond and multiple surrounding counties deal with a water crisis. Such a declaration activates a variety of powers and protections, including anti-price gouging statutes. These statutes became part of Virginia law in 2004 via the Anti-Price Gouging Act, which "prohibits a supplier from charging 'unconscionable prices' for 'necessary goods and services' following a declared state of emergency," according to the Office of the Attorney General. During a Wednesday press conference, a member of the media asked Youngkin about price gouging during these difficult circumstances. They specifically asked about retailers setting high prices for cases of water. "Let me, first, be very, very, very clear -- that's illegal," Youngkin said. "And the Attorney General has stated boldly that they [his office] will prosecute price gouging during a state of emergency. I spoke to him yesterday -- his team is actively working to gather information on situations like this." If you witness price gouging, you are able to report it through the Office of the Attorney General. Its Consumer Protection Section specializes in handling such claims. You can make that report via email at consumer@oag.state.va.us or online through this complaint form. There is also a phone number -- 800-552-9963 -- but 8News called this number and was directed to voicemail, with the message saying the office would be closed Monday, Jan. 6 due to inclement weather. As of the time of reporting, it's possible the office is closed, potentially due to Richmond's ongoing water issues. If you're reporting price gouging for gasoline or other motor fuel prices, you can do so through the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. You can do so using this form. "I would be very, very clear in my communication to retailers: this is not allowed, it's not right and it's not the way that we do things in Virginia," Youngkin said. "And I would also be very clear to all of our citizens [affected by water issues] -- we've got lots of water that is here and we want to make sure you can get to it." You can find more information on the Office of the Attorney General's website.
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RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- During a state of emergency, it is illegal for retailers to charge consumers inflated prices for necessities in Virginia. If you come across a retailer that's price gouging, here's how you can report it.
On Friday, Jan. 3, Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency across the Commonwealth ahead of the first winter storm of 2025. This state of emergency remains as of Wednesday, Jan. 8, especially as Richmond and multiple surrounding counties deal with a water crisis.
Such a declaration activates a variety of powers and protections, including anti-price gouging statutes. These statutes became part of Virginia law in 2004 via the Anti-Price Gouging Act, which "prohibits a supplier from charging 'unconscionable prices' for 'necessary goods and services' following a declared state of emergency," according to the Office of the Attorney General.
During a Wednesday press conference, a member of the media asked Youngkin about price gouging during these difficult circumstances. They specifically asked about retailers setting high prices for cases of water.
"Let me, first, be very, very, very clear -- that's illegal," Youngkin said. "And the Attorney General has stated boldly that they [his office] will prosecute price gouging during a state of emergency. I spoke to him yesterday -- his team is actively working to gather information on situations like this."
If you witness price gouging, you are able to report it through the Office of the Attorney General. Its Consumer Protection Section specializes in handling such claims.
You can make that report via email at consumer@oag.state.va.us or online through this complaint form.
There is also a phone number -- 800-552-9963 -- but 8News called this number and was directed to voicemail, with the message saying the office would be closed Monday, Jan. 6 due to inclement weather. As of the time of reporting, it's possible the office is closed, potentially due to Richmond's ongoing water issues.
If you're reporting price gouging for gasoline or other motor fuel prices, you can do so through the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. You can do so using this form.
"I would be very, very clear in my communication to retailers: this is not allowed, it's not right and it's not the way that we do things in Virginia," Youngkin said. "And I would also be very clear to all of our citizens [affected by water issues] -- we've got lots of water that is here and we want to make sure you can get to it."
You can find more information on the Office of the Attorney General's website.
