How to File a Price Gouging Complaint - New Orleans

Business and Consumer Protection Louisiana 3 Minutes Read · published February 09, 2026 Flag of Louisiana

In New Orleans, Louisiana, consumers can report suspected price gouging when sellers sharply raise prices for essential goods or services during emergencies or disasters. This guide explains who enforces price-gouging rules, the typical enforcement process, what evidence to collect, and where to file a complaint locally and at the state level. Follow the steps below to document the incident, submit a report, and track enforcement actions by the appropriate agency.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for price gouging that arises during declared emergencies in Louisiana is handled primarily by the Louisiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection division; local reporting channels such as New Orleans 311 may also accept consumer complaints for referral. Specific statutory fine amounts or per-day penalties are not specified on the cited page[1]. If a local municipal ordinance applies, the city enforcement office may pursue administrative penalties or refer cases to state authorities.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; check the enforcing office for amounts and daily continuing penalties.[1]
  • Enforcer: Louisiana Attorney General - Consumer Protection division; local intake via City of New Orleans 311 for referral.
  • How to report: file a state complaint with the AG and submit local reports to 311 or the city consumer complaints desk.
  • Evidence: dated receipts, photos of posted prices, screenshots, prior price history, witness contact details.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: cease-and-desist orders, injunctions, restitution to consumers, and court actions may be pursued where authorized.
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes depend on whether the action is administrative or judicial; time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.[1]
Collect clear dated proof before you file a complaint.

Applications & Forms

No single municipal price-gouging complaint form is published on the cited state consumer-protection page; consumers are generally asked to submit complaint details and evidence through the Attorney General’s online complaint portal or via the city 311 intake system for referral.[1]

How enforcement works

When a complaint is received, the enforcing office will review submitted evidence, may contact the seller for explanation, and can open an investigation. If probable violations are found, the office can seek remedies including restitution, penalties, or injunctive relief; specific escalation schedules for first, repeat, or continuing offences are not specified on the cited page.[1]

Report price-gouging quickly—evidence fades with time.

Action steps for consumers

  • Document the date and time of the purchase or posting.
  • Save receipts, take photos of price tags or ads, and capture website screenshots.
  • File a complaint with the Louisiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection division and report to New Orleans 311 for local referral.
  • Provide your contact information for follow-up and consent to share evidence with investigators.
If the price spike occurred during a declared emergency, mention the emergency declaration in your complaint.

FAQ

Who investigates price gouging in New Orleans?
The Louisiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection division investigates price gouging; New Orleans 311 can accept local reports and refer them to the appropriate agency.
What evidence is required?
Provide receipts, dated photos of posted prices, screenshots of online listings, and any prior price history showing the increase.
Are there guaranteed refunds or penalties?
Remedies depend on the investigation outcome; specific penalty amounts are not specified on the cited page.[1]

How-To

  1. Gather evidence: receipts, dated photos, and screenshots showing the price before and after.
  2. Document seller details: name, address, phone number, and website if applicable.
  3. File a complaint with the Louisiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection division; include all evidence and a clear statement of events.
  4. Report locally to New Orleans 311 to ensure municipal referral and record of the complaint.
  5. Follow up with the investigating office and provide additional information if requested.

Key Takeaways

  • Document dated proof immediately when you suspect price gouging.
  • File complaints with the Louisiana Attorney General and report locally to New Orleans 311.

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