Report Price Gouging in Tempe, Arizona

Business and Consumer Protection Arizona 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 20, 2026 Flag of Arizona

In Tempe, Arizona, consumers and businesses should report suspected price gouging promptly so authorities can investigate. This guide explains who enforces price-gouging complaints affecting Tempe residents, how to submit a complaint, typical enforcement outcomes, and practical steps to preserve evidence. If you believe a business raised prices unreasonably during an emergency or disaster, follow the steps below and submit your report to the designated consumer protection authority.

Penalties & Enforcement

Tempe does not publish a standalone municipal price-gouging ordinance on the city code; the closest official consumer authority for statewide price-gouging enforcement is the Arizona Attorney General's Consumer Protection division, which accepts complaints and may investigate alleged violations. Arizona Attorney General - Price Gouging[1]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence ranges not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcer: Arizona Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division; local law enforcement may refer cases.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to cease and desist, injunctive relief, restitution to consumers, or civil court actions may be sought (specific remedies not specified on the cited page).
  • Inspection and complaint pathway: file an online complaint with the Arizona Attorney General using the consumer complaint portal linked above.[1]
  • Appeals and review: procedures and time limits for appeals or administrative review are not specified on the cited page.
Penalties and specific statutory fines are not listed on the Arizona Attorney General page and should be confirmed with the office when you file.

Applications & Forms

The Arizona Attorney General maintains an online consumer complaint form for price-gouging reports; the specific form name or a numeric form identifier is not specified on the cited page. Submit complaints through the AG's consumer complaint portal linked above.[1]

How to Preserve Evidence Before Reporting

  • Save receipts, photographs of posted prices, dates, times, and names of staff or locations.
  • Record the business name, address, website URL, and any online screenshots with timestamps.
  • Note whether a state or local emergency was declared and the date the price increase occurred.
Evidence that shows timing and comparative prices strengthens a complaint.

Reporting Steps

Follow these action steps to file a complaint and help investigators act quickly.

  1. Collect documentation: receipts, photos, timestamps, and witness information.
  2. Use the Arizona Attorney General online complaint portal to submit your report and attach evidence. File a complaint with the Arizona AG[1]
  3. Retain original proof of purchase and copies of any communications with the seller.
  4. If you need local assistance, contact Tempe city offices for guidance; see Resources below for Tempe contacts.
  5. If restitution or reimbursement is sought, follow the AG's instructions and provide bank or payment records as requested.
Filing promptly after the incident improves the chance of timely investigative action.

FAQ

Who enforces price-gouging complaints that affect Tempe residents?
The Arizona Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division handles statewide price-gouging complaints; Tempe refers consumers to that office for investigation and potential enforcement.
Can I report a Tempe business directly to the city?
Tempe does not publish a separate municipal price-gouging ordinance; you should report to the Arizona Attorney General. You may also contact city consumer services for guidance or referrals.
What evidence should I include with a complaint?
Include receipts, photos of prices, timestamps, the business name and location, and a description of why the price appears excessive during an emergency.

How-To

  1. Gather receipts, photos, timestamps, and witness names.
  2. Complete the Arizona Attorney General consumer complaint form online and attach evidence. AG complaint portal[1]
  3. Note your preferred contact method and follow up if you receive a case number.
  4. If unresolved, ask the AG about next steps for restitution or civil enforcement.

Key Takeaways

  • Report suspected price gouging to the Arizona Attorney General for statewide enforcement.
  • Document date, price, receipts, and photos before filing.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Arizona Attorney General - Price Gouging and consumer complaint portal

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data