How to make a complaint about price gouging in BC

This is a difficult time for everyone, consumers and businesses alike. At times like this, there’s no place for people taking advantage of others through markups or price gouging. Consumer Protection BC is designated as the first and official point of contact for complaints about price gouging for essential goods and services in the province of BC.

If you think you’ve seen price gouging in the marketplace, Consumer Protection BC wants to hear from you.

WHAT IS PRICE GOUGING?

Price gouging is a price that grossly exceeds the price at which similar essential goods and supplies are available in similar transactions to similar customers.

Essential goods and supplies include food, water and other beverages; fuel and gasoline; healthcare goods, pharmaceuticals and medical supplies; and personal hygiene, sanitation and cleaning goods. For example, you may know of a BC business that has priced toilet paper or cleaning goods much higher than any other stores in your community.

HOW DO I REPORT PRICE GOUGING?

Report it by filling out an online form at: consumerprotectionbc.ca.

When submitting your complaint, provide your name and contact information for possible follow-up in case more information is needed to identify the individual/business, the type of product being sold, the new price, and the previous price if possible, and any evidence if possible (i.e. a picture or receipt) and the name of the business and its address, including the city.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

First, Consumer Protection BC will assess price gouging complaints, and then work with businesses to voluntarily correct their behaviour. They liaise with other law enforcement agencies when escalation is needed. Police and enforcement officers are responsible for issuing violation tickets.

Unless Consumer protection needs to follow up with you directly to clarify specific information or evidence, you should not expect to hear back from them about your complaint. Their resources are more focused on dealing with the issue and stopping the behaviour. Your role is important in identifying and reporting price gouging in your community.