How do I report suspected price gouging?

File a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division using its online intake or hotline and include receipts and photos.

Will I be refunded automatically?

Not automatically; refunds or restitution depend on the investigation outcome and remedies obtained by the enforcing agency or court.

Are penalties published publicly?

Specific fine amounts or schedules are not specified on the cited agency pages; consult the D.C. Code and agency guidance for current enforcement authorities.

Washington Price Gouging Hotline - City Resources

Business and Consumer Protection District of Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published February 07, 2026

This guide explains how consumers and businesses in Washington, District of Columbia can report suspected price gouging, what enforcement authorities do, and where to find official resources. It summarizes the reporting process, common violations, and practical steps for filing complaints during declared emergencies and other relevant situations. Use the hotline and online reporting tools to preserve evidence and seek remedies. The Office of the Attorney General enforces consumer protection laws in Washington and publishes reporting guidance and complaint forms for residents and businesses.^[1]

Report quickly after the overcharge to preserve receipts and timestamps.

Penalties & Enforcement

Authority and enforcing office: The Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division, is the primary enforcer for consumer protection and price gouging matters in Washington; see the official guidance and complaint pages for reporting procedures and contacts.Office of the Attorney General Consumer Protection^[1]

Applicable law: Price gouging and unfair pricing practices are addressed under Washington consumer protection rules; the controlling statutory text and definitions are maintained in the District of Columbia Code and related regulations.D.C. Code - Consumer Protection^[2]

Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offences - not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: injunctive orders, restitution to consumers, and civil actions may be sought by the enforcing agency or through court proceedings.
Enforcer: Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division; inspections and investigations are initiated via complaint intake and evidence review.^[1]
Appeals and review: administrative or court appeal routes depend on the enforcement action taken; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited pages.
Defences and discretion: lawful business practices, valid cost increases, and permitted emergency exceptions may be considered; check the statutory definitions and published enforcement policy for available defenses.

If you paid an overcharge, keep the receipt, photos, and transaction records before filing the complaint.

Applications & Forms

No specialized application is required to report an alleged price gouging incident; the Office of the Attorney General provides complaint forms and an online intake process for consumer complaints on its consumer protection pages. For formal actions, the enforcing office will advise on necessary filings and evidence submission.^[1]

How enforcement works

Typically, enforcement begins with a consumer complaint or information from inspections; the agency will assess evidence, contact the business, and may seek voluntary remedies or file civil actions. Remedies can include restitution, injunctive relief, and civil penalties where authorized by statute. Specific penalty amounts and schedules must be confirmed on the cited statutory or agency pages.^[2]

Common violations

Excessively marked-up essential goods during an emergency.
Misleading unit pricing or concealed fees that obscure true cost.
Failure to honor posted prices or advertised emergency discounts.

Action steps

Document the transaction: save receipts, photos of shelf tags or online listings, and timestamps.
Use the official complaint form or hotline on the Attorney General’s consumer protection pages to submit evidence.^[1]
Follow up with the agency for case status and provide additional records if requested.

FAQ

How do I report suspected price gouging?: File a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division using its online intake or hotline and include receipts and photos.
Will I be refunded automatically?: Not automatically; refunds or restitution depend on the investigation outcome and remedies obtained by the enforcing agency or court.
Are penalties published publicly?: Specific fine amounts or schedules are not specified on the cited agency pages; consult the D.C. Code and agency guidance for current enforcement authorities.

How-To

Gather documentation: receipts, photos of pricing, and timestamps.
Visit the Office of the Attorney General Consumer Protection pages and locate the complaint intake or hotline.^[1]
Complete the complaint form, attach evidence, and submit your contact information.
Retain copies of your submissions and respond promptly to any agency requests for additional information.
If unsatisfied, ask the agency about next steps, including civil remedies or referral to court.

Key Takeaways

Report quickly and preserve evidence to improve enforcement outcomes.
The Office of the Attorney General handles complaints and provides guidance on forms and next steps.^[1]