Businesses Price Gouging During Emergencies

After the wildfire disaster in California, and nearly every hurricane, we see news stories about price gouging.

What is Price Gouging?

Price gouging occurs when businesses excessively increase prices on essential goods or services, like food, water, fuel, medicine, building materials, or lodging, during a declared emergency.
Texas actually has laws that protect consumers from price gouging during disasters under the “Deceptive Trade Practice Act.”

Under the DTPA, such practices are illegal and can result in significant penalties, including fines of up to $20,000 per violation, or $250,000 if the victim is elderly.

So, if you find yourself in a state of emergency, and then see excessive pricing even up to 30 days after the disaster declaration expires, then you should speak with an attorney.

Видео Businesses Price Gouging During Emergencies канала Matthew Harris Law, PLLC