Report Emergency Price Gouging - Memphis Hotline

Business and Consumer Protection Tennessee 3 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

Memphis, Tennessee residents and businesses affected by sudden price increases during declared emergencies can report suspected price gouging to state enforcement agencies and seek remedies. This guide explains who enforces price-gouging rules that apply in Memphis, the typical remedies, how to file a complaint, and practical steps for documenting and reporting violations during hurricanes, floods, or other declared emergencies.

Penalties & Enforcement

Memphis does not appear to have a standalone municipal price-gouging ordinance; enforcement for emergency price practices is handled at the state level by agencies such as the Tennessee Attorney General Consumer Protection Division and the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance. For consumer complaints and reporting, contact the Tennessee Attorney General Consumer Protection page Tennessee Attorney General - Consumer Protection[1].

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: civil injunctions, cease-and-desist orders, restitution to consumers, and court actions may be pursued by enforcement agencies; specific remedies are described by the enforcing office on its enforcement pages.
  • Enforcer: Tennessee Attorney General Consumer Protection Division and Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (consumer affairs).
  • Inspection and complaint pathways: file a consumer complaint as directed on the Attorney General consumer-protection page; include receipts, screenshots, dates, quantities, and vendor contact information.
  • Appeals and review: appeals of agency actions typically proceed through state administrative or civil courts; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
Keep receipts, photos, and timestamps to support your complaint.

Applications & Forms

No specific municipal application or form for reporting price gouging in Memphis was found; use the state consumer complaint submission methods listed by the Tennessee Attorney General or the Department of Commerce & Insurance. Where a form exists, it will be available on the enforcing agency's complaint page; if none is published, a standard written complaint or online complaint portal is acceptable.

How to Document and Report Price Gouging

  • Document the price and item: save receipts, take dated photos, and record product quantities.
  • Contact the seller first: request an explanation and keep any written responses.
  • File a complaint with the Tennessee Attorney General or the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance when the seller's response is unsatisfactory.
  • Report promptly: file complaints as soon as possible after the purchase and during the declared emergency period.
Act quickly—timely evidence strengthens enforcement cases.

FAQ

Who enforces price-gouging complaints that affect Memphis residents?
The Tennessee Attorney General Consumer Protection Division and the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance handle enforcement and consumer complaints for price gouging affecting Memphis residents.
Can I report a Memphis retailer directly to the city?
There is no separate Memphis municipal price-gouging ordinance located; consumers should use the state reporting channels noted above.
What information should I include in a complaint?
Include receipts, photos with timestamps, product descriptions, seller contact details, dates and times of purchase, and any communications with the seller.

How-To

  1. Collect evidence: receipt, photos, and dates of purchase.
  2. Contact the seller for an explanation and retain any replies.
  3. Go to the Tennessee Attorney General’s consumer-protection page and submit a complaint with your evidence.[1]
  4. If necessary, seek restitution through civil remedies as advised by the enforcing agency.

Key Takeaways

  • Memphis relies on state enforcement for emergency price-gouging complaints.
  • Document purchases carefully to support complaints.
  • Use the Tennessee Attorney General complaint process for reporting.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Tennessee Attorney General - Consumer Protection

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