My wife recently went out running errands before she had to leave for a trip to Lubbock. With a boil notice still in place in our neighborhood, I wanted to make sure we had enough drinking water 'til the notice is lifted, so I asked her to pick some up.

When she returned home, I asked if she managed to find any water. She proceeded to tell me the bottled water at the convenience store not far from our home was far too expensive - moreso than usual.

I have heard stories of stores price gouging after a natural disaster like the one we had last week, but this was our first time experiencing it firsthand.

I researched other stories and ran across the story of a Killeen man telling the Killeen Daily Herald that store was allegedly selling a case of water that usually sells for $10 for $35 to $40. If true, that is definitely price gouging!

Sadly, it's not just bottled water that's causing a scandal. KXAN-TV recently investigated reports of unscrupulous plumbers taking advantage of people desperately trying to get the pipes repaired in their homes.

According to The Texas Attorney General, price gouging is illegal, and state officials have the authority to prosecute any business that engages in the underhanded practice after the governor or president has declared a disaster.

If you suspect a business is price gouging, make sure you file a Consumer Complaint with the Attorney General's Office to report it. If you can get proof such as photos and receipts, be sure to show that to officials so they can ensure that it's stopped.

We're all trying to get through this recovery together, and the last thing we need is people preying on their fellow Texans in a time of extreme need.

 

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