Attorney General Ford Reminds Nevada that Price Gouging is Illegal During States of Emergency

Carson City, NV — Today, Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford reminds Nevadans that price gouging during a declared state of emergency is considered a deceptive trade practice under Nevada law. Earlier today, Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency for areas of Washoe County and the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony impacted by the Bug and Fred Mountain Fires.

“Berna and I have been watching the situation in Northern Nevada with concern, and our hearts and our prayers go out to anyone affected by these fires across our state” said Attorney General Ford. “While I know that Nevadans work together during times like these, there are always bad actors who see any way to profit off of others’ pain as an opportunity. Price gouging during a state of emergency is illegal, and rest assured that my office will investigate any allegations of bad actors preying on Nevadans by hiking up prices during this time. I urge anyone who feels they have been a victim of price gouging in the affected area to file a complaint with my office.”

In 2021, the Office of the Attorney General under Attorney General Ford sponsored and passed a law to prevent price gouging during times of an emergency declared by the governor. The law makes it a deceptive trade practice during a state of emergency or declaration of disaster to sell consumer goods or services in the geographic area of the emergency or disaster for a price that is grossly in excess of the usual price for those goods or services.

The law defines an amount "grossly in excess” in relation to the usual price of the goods or services. For goods or services of up to $250, one cannot sell the goods or services for over 15% of the usual prices. From $250 to $750, the restriction is up to 10%, and for over $750 it is up to 5%.

The price gouging ban lasts through the time the state emergency or disaster is in effect, or until 75 days, whichever comes first. The punishment for violating the ban includes civil penalties of up to $15,000 for each offense, or up to $25,000 for each offense directed at an elderly person. The punishment can also include criminal penalties.

If any Nevadans believe they have been a victim of deceptive trade practices such as a violation of the price gouging ban, they are encouraged to file a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General here.

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