Attorney General Jones Announces Price Gouging Protections

Attorney General Jones Announces Price Gouging Protections in Effect Amid Prolonged and Severe Drought Conditions Across the Commonwealth

State of emergency declared to provide emergency support to Virginians due to the disaster’s significant impact to agribusiness operations and imminent risk to livestock health and production

RICHMOND, Va. – Governor Spanberger’s declaration of a state of emergency triggered Virginia’s anti-price gouging statutes. Designed to protect consumers, these laws ensure consumers are not forced into paying “unconscionable prices” for “necessary goods and services” following a declared state of emergency.  

The basic test for determining if a price is unconscionable is whether the post-disaster price grossly exceeds the price charged for the same good or services during the ten days immediately prior to the disaster. Violations of Virginia’s Anti-Price Gouging Act are enforceable by the Office of the Attorney General through the Virginia Consumer Protection Act.

Virginia consumers who suspect they are a victim of price gouging can call the Consumer Protection Hotline or download a complaint form. Complaints should be reported for investigation to the Office of the Attorney General Consumer Protection Section, except for claims related to gasoline and motor fuel prices, which are handled by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Consumers can contact Attorney General Jay Jones’ Consumer Protection Section for additional information or to file a complaint.