Thousands of violations have been issued to businesses across the city that are accused of profiting off of the coronavirus pandemic.
During the last three weeks, the city’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection has received more than 7,200 complaints from customers being overcharged for products used to combat and treat the coronavirus.
This includes products such as masks, disinfectants, tissues and medication. The department has issued close to 3,000 violations at $500 each and has filed lawsuits against four shops in New York City.
The shops are being investigated for repeatedly selling overpriced items, seeking a total of almost $140,000. The city says that any product used to prevent the spread of COVID-19 shouldn’t be priced at more than 10% higher of what it was pre-pandemic.
New York Attorney General Letitia James says her office is working closely with the city to look into the 5,000 complaints she’s received so far.
She has sent more than 1,000 cease-and-desist orders to businesses accused of violating the state’s price gouging protections, which were expanded to include essential food items.
Complaints can be made by calling 311 or tagging @NewYorkStateAG on social media.
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