Mississippi's anti-price gouging statute in effect - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

Mississippi's anti-price gouging statute in effect

If that gas seems much higher than usual, you can report it as price gouging and state officials will take action against the vendor.

That's because of a proclamation drawn up and signed Monday evening by Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann and Governor Phil Bryant.

Hosemann said, "What it really applies to is gas and food price gouging that may go on by some unscrupulous people who try to take advantage of people trying to get out of their homes, so as of 5:19pm, anything south of interstate 20 will be covered by the Governor's proclamation."

Hosemann says there are already gas shortages across south Mississippi. He says to report possible price gouging to the Attorney General, MEMA or the Secretary of State's office.  

Attorney General Jim Hood offered a tip for people who suspect price gouging or home repair fraud. 

"Best evidence for us to prosecute someone is use of those cell phones, use those cameras. You know, if you see an instance that you think is price gouging, make that picture, you know, email it to our office. Use a video, you know, if you're dealing with say, for example, home repair fraud situation and some contractor comes to your home that looks a little bit shady, not some local contractor that you know, whip out that smartphone and just video what he says he'll do. You know, most of the time if he's a crook, he's gonna take off running. He doesn't wanna do business." 

Hood says his office has received some complaints. He says most price gouging complaints involved hotel and gasoline prices and he cautions people not to take advantage of people fleeing Isaac. 

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