HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - The high demand for at-home COVID-19 tests has state leaders warning residents about price gouging and other scams as they look to federal and state government for help.
According to Attorney General William Tong, his office has received nearly 800 complaints of COVID-related price gouging since the start of the pandemic.
With at-home test kits being in such high demand right now, Tong said scammers will take advantage of that both in person and online.
After investigating numerous claims, Tong explained, "The prices that local retailers are paying for masks, for hand sanitizers, for test kits are much higher than normal."
Tong is calling on Governor Ned Lamont and state lawmakers to pass legislation that would aid them in their fight against price gouging amid the pandemic.
Current price gouging state law does not authorize Tong's office to go after the various players up the commerce chain.
"We're hopeful, this year, that the legislature and the Governor will give us that authority so we can go up the chain and take on potential price gouging up the stream of commerce at the supplier, wholesaler, distributor and manufacturer level," Tong said.
Last year, the legislation passed through the House, Tong said, but it did not pass the Senate.
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal is looking at federal agencies who, he said, need to do more.
"Federal law does permit going up the chain. It should be enforced. That's why I have written to the Federal Trade Commission," Blumenthal said.
Tong also warns residents of bootleg or fake COVID tests that are sold either on the streets or online on websites like Facebook Marketplace and eBay.
He urges residents to report any scams or price gouging on the Attorney General's website.