OKLAHOMA CITY — The state’s price gouging statute is in effect statewide after President Trump’s emergency declaration regarding COVID-19, according to a statement released Friday by officials with Attorney General Mike Hunter's office.
The statute prohibits an increase of more than 10% for the price of goods or services after a declared emergency, officials said. It's automatically put in place after a state or federal emergency declaration.
Attorney General Hunter said the statute allows his office to pursue charges against individuals or businesses that engage in price gouging.
“Scam artists routinely prey on individuals’ emotions during times of fear and crisis,” Attorney General Hunter said. “I encourage Oklahomans to remain calm but cautious during the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. Don’t pay inflated prices for things like hand sanitizer, paper towels or other products and services that are becoming sparse. If anyone encounters price gouging, fraudulent charities or other crimes related to deceptive business practices, contact my office where we will not hesitate to prosecute in order to shut these operations down to protect our citizens.”
For more information or to file a complaint, you can contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Unit by phone at 405-521-2029, or email at consumerprotection@oag.ok.gov.
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