State of Emergency Terminated October 15, 2008
The Honorable Sonny Perdue, Governor of the State of
Under Georgia law, price-control statutes are activated upon the Governor’s declaration of a state of emergency. During the declared state of emergency, businesses may not sell any goods or services necessary to protect the health, safety or property of citizens at prices higher than the prices at which those same goods or services were offered before the declaration of a state of emergency.
The only exception allowed is if the business can document that the price was increased only in an amount which accurately reflects an increase in the cost of the goods or services to the person selling the goods or services or an increase in the cost of transporting the goods or service into the area. Price increases are not allowed on stock that was on hand before the emergency was declared. Proof of the reason for any price increase must be readily available when the Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs requests it.
Absent a declared state of emergency, competition and demand drive prices in our free-market economy.
“The Governor and his Office of Consumer Affairs have taken the issue of price-gouging very seriously and will continue to do so in the future,” said Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs Administrator Joe Doyle. Historically, the main problems following hurricanes are gasoline prices and lodging for citizens displaced by the storms.
Violations of Georgia's price gouging statutes can result in fines of between $2,000 and $25,000 per violation.
Doyle further reminds consumers that even in emergency situations, it pays to be a smart consumer. Unscrupulous con artists prey on people who are down on their luck. So consider the following tips to protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud or deception.
PRICE GOUGING
- Price gouging often accompanies natural disasters. Gouging is when someone charges exorbitant and unjustifiably increased prices for products or services that disaster victims have little choice but to buy.
PHONY PHONERS
- Dishonest telemarketers often call disaster victims. Do not give your credit card or checking account number to a telemarketer you don’t know.
- Ask for details in writing and be wary when the term “government approved” is used.
- Do not fall for prize promotions where you have to buy something to get a prize.
Call the Georgia Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs at (404) 651-8600 or toll-free 1 (800) 869-1123 for additional information or to file a complaint.
Executive Order of October 10th renewing the State of Emergency
Executive Order Issued by Governor Perdue
Governor Perdue's Press Release of September 12th
Notice to Businesses Re Price Gouging Violations
Complaint form for price gouging allegations - Please print, complete and fax to 404.651.9018. Be sure to fax a copy of your receipt, if you purchased gas.
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