The state of emergency imposed by Gov. Phil Murphy on March 9 triggered a number of legal measures, among the most notable a price gouging law which bars retailers from raising prices on vital items more than 10%.
New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal said some 300 complaints have been filed citing alleged violations on a number of fronts.
“That ranges from price gouging when it comes to surgical masks, hand sanitizers, disinfectant sprays, wipes, foods, people hoarding bottled water or charging exorbitant rates for basic items of need,” Grewal told KYW Newsradio.
Fines for violators start at $10,000. More than 50 inspectors are assigned to street work to check out retailers suspected of gouging.
“If you see this kind of conduct happening, let us know,” Grewal added. “We will hold folks accountable. We need the public to have confidence in knowing that pharmacies are not taking advantage of them at this time (and) not peddling false cures.”
If you have a complaint, you can call the Division of Consumer Affairs at (973) 504-6240 or file one online by clicking here.
Meanwhile, Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro said his office has been investigating more than 500 complaints of price gouging in the Keystone State. The majority of complaints have come from southeastern Pennsylvania.
Shapiro's office set up a website last week to field those complaints, and has seen a huge increase in the number of people seeking help. A team of investigators is sorting through the requests and going after offenders.
The attorney general said if you feel a retailer is overcharging for products, then drop him an email at pricegouging@attorneygeneral.gov.
"Include the name of the store, its location and the specific product you think is being price gouged and if you want to just snap a photo and shoot that to us as well, that's really helpful," he instructed.
"We contact the business right away, whether it's brick and mortar or online," he explained. "We tell them that we're aware of allegations of price gouging, we conduct some research and we encourage them to change their practice. And the good news is some have done that."
For those who refuse, Shapiro's office issues "cease and desist" letters. He said that letter is a formal legal request that essentially says, "Cut it out."
If that doesn't get results, Shapiro warned his office then can move to levy fines of up to $10,000 and even shut the business down.
He said he has also learned some stores and business owners are being gouged by their suppliers. "If you, yourself are being victimized by wholesaler-distributor price gouging, I want you to email our office as well," he requested.