NEW YORK (WBEN) — New York Attorney General Letitia James on Tuesday asked that consumers report any instance of suspected price gouging of at-home COVID-19 testing kits to her office.
The alert was issued as the testing kits, and other COVID-19 precautionary products, become more in-demand amid a surge in cases, driven by the highly contagious omicron variant.
“If New Yorkers see exorbitant price increases on testing kits or other goods vital and necessary for health, safety, and welfare, they are encouraged to report it [to] my office immediately,” James said.
“And fraudsters are on notice that if they attempt to price gouge during this new surge, we will not hesitate to take action,” she added.
According to James, her office has already received several complaints of COVID-19 testing kits being sold at double, or triple, the retail price.
For instance, James’ office said a standard BinaxNOW brand test kit sold at pharmacies, such as Walgreens, should cost between $14 and $25 for a package of two tests.
However, her office has received reports alleging the same product is being unlawfully sold for more than $40, and up to $70 per package.
New York law prohibits merchants from taking unfair advantage of consumers by selling goods or services that are vital to their health, safety, or welfare for an “unconscionably excessive” price.
Last year, a law was passed to strengthen AG James’ ability to bring charges against those who violate the state’s price gouging statute, after some tried to excessively increase prices on essential goods, such as masks and gloves, amid the pandemic.
Any New Yorker who is aware of or believes that they have been the victim of price gouging is encouraged to file a complaint online or call 800-771-7755.
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