New York Attorney General Letitia James issued an alert today, warning businesses against price gouging of essential items as severe weather impacts communities throughout New York. The Governor has declared a state of emergency for the entire state following multiple tornadoes in Central New York, causing power outages and disruptions affecting hundreds of thousands.
New York’s price gouging statute prevents businesses from exploiting consumers by selling essential goods or services at excessively higher prices during market disruptions or emergencies. Attorney General James urges residents to report any instances of price gouging to her office.
“When severe weather hits, New Yorkers should be able to stock up on essential supplies without worrying that they will be overcharged by businesses taking advantage of a crisis,” said Attorney General James. “I encourage anyone who experiences price gouging to report the problem to my office so we can take appropriate action. With excessive heat and now extreme weather impacting communities throughout our state, I urge New Yorkers to be vigilant against price gouging, to check on vulnerable relatives, friends, and neighbors, and to above all, be safe.”
State law prohibits businesses from unfairly taking advantage of consumers by selling goods or services vital to health, safety, or welfare at unconscionably excessive prices during emergencies. The statute covers vendors, retailers, and suppliers across New York and includes essential goods and services necessary for consumer health and safety such as food, water, gasoline, generators, batteries, flashlights, hotel lodging, and transportation options.
Consumers reporting price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) should:
- Report specific increased prices along with dates and locations where they observed these prices.
- Provide copies of sales receipts and photos of advertised prices if available.
Violations of the price gouging statute can result in penalties up to $25,000 per violation. Residents are encouraged to report potential concerns about price gouging by filing a complaint online or calling 800-771-7755.