What Can You Do If You Spot Price Gouging In Your Neighborhood?

If you spot price gouging in your neighborhood, there are several steps you can take to address the situation effectively:

Steps to Take

1. Document the Evidence:
   • Collect Information: Take photos of the product with its price tag, any promotional materials, and the store itself. Make note of the date and time of your observations.
   • Compare Prices: Gather information about the usual prices of the same product at other stores or from previous purchases to demonstrate that the price increase is excessive.
2. Check Local Price Gouging Laws:
   • Familiarize yourself with your state’s price gouging laws to understand what constitutes illegal price gouging and what protections are in place.
3. Report to Local Authorities:
   • Consumer Protection Agencies: File a complaint with your state’s consumer protection agency. They often have dedicated resources for handling price gouging complaints.
   • Attorney General’s Office: Contact your state’s Attorney General’s office to report the incident, as they often oversee consumer protection laws and enforcement.
4. Notify the Business:
   • If you feel comfortable, consider approaching the store manager or owner to discuss your concerns. They may not be aware of the pricing issues and could rectify them without further action.
5. Spread Awareness:
   • Share your findings with neighbors or community groups to raise awareness about the issue. Social media can be an effective platform for alerting others to price gouging practices.
6. Contact Media Outlets:
   • If the price gouging is significant or widespread, consider reaching out to local news outlets. Media coverage can put pressure on businesses to change their pricing practices and inform the public.
7. Follow Up:
   • After reporting, check back with the consumer protection agency to see if any action has been taken. Persistence can help ensure that your complaint is addressed.

Example

If you notice a local store selling hand sanitizer at an inflated price during a health crisis, document the price and compare it to other stores. Then report your findings to your state’s consumer protection agency and share your experience with others in your community.

Taking these steps not only helps protect your own rights as a consumer but also contributes to broader efforts to prevent price gouging in your community.