New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert warning state residents and businesses against price gouging as a severe storm brings heavy wind, rain, and potential flooding across the region. Governor Hochul declared a state of emergency for New York City along with Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties ahead of the severe weather system.
State regulations strictly prohibit businesses from exploiting emergencies by charging unconscionably excessive prices for vital goods and services. The Office of the Attorney General monitors vendors, retailers, and suppliers statewide to protect consumers from predatory financial practices during market disruptions.
Scope of New York’s Price Gouging Laws
New York’s price gouging statute covers a wide array of essential items necessary for public health, safety, and welfare during a declared emergency. Protected goods and services include:
- Food and drinking water
- Gasoline
- Generators, batteries, and flashlights
- Hotel lodging
- Transportation options
When emergencies disrupt normal supply chains, vendors cannot legally use the scarcity of these vital supplies to inflate profit margins beyond normal market fluctuations.
How to Report Violations to the State
Attorney General James urged anyone who encounters unjust price increases on essential items to report the activity directly to state regulators.
Consumers filing a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General should provide specific details regarding the incident. Key information required includes:
- The exact dates when the inflated prices occurred
- The specific names and locations of the businesses or vendors
- Copies of sales receipts and photographs displaying the advertised prices
Businesses found in violation of New York price gouging laws face significant financial consequences, including civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation. Residents can submit complaints online through the Office of the Attorney General website or by calling the consumer helpline at 800-771-7755.