Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford is reminding people that price gouging during a declared state of emergency is against Nevada law.
Earlier today, Governor 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.
A law was passed in 2021 to prevent price gouging during times of an emergency declared by the governor.
It made it illegal 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.
For goods or services of up to $250, one cannot sell the goods or services for over 15% of the usual price. 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 fines 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.
Any Nevadans who think they have been a victim of a violation of the price gouging ban can file a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General here.
