Associated Press - November 12, 2009 1:25 PM ET
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - The state will be watching retailers for the next month to make sure they are not charging too much for goods and services in the wake of the severe weather.
Virginia's anti-price gouging statute went into effect when Gov. Tim Kaine declared a state of emergency Wednesday. It will remain in effect for 30 days following the disaster.
The law prohibits charging "unconscionable" prices - grossly exceeding the price charged within 10 days before the disaster - for "necessary goods and services."
The Attorney General's Office has reached seven legal settlements with gas stations over price gouging in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike in 2008.
Attorney General Bill Mims encourages anyone who suspects price gouging to call the Office of Consumer Affairs at 800-552-9963.
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