On March 16, the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection announced an emergency rule under the City's Consumer Protection Law. The rule, effective immediately, makes price gouging illegal for any personal or household good or any service that is needed to prevent or limit the spread of or treat the new coronavirus (COVID-19).
Examples include:
- Cleaning products
- Diagnostic products and services
- Disinfectants (wipes, liquids, sprays)
- Face masks
- Gloves
- Hand sanitizer
- Medicines
- Paper towels
- Rubbing alcohol
- Soap
- Tissues
It is illegal to increase prices of these types of goods and services by 10% or more.
If you think a store, including an online business, or a street vendor excessively increased the price of these items beginning in March, you can file an overcharge complaint with the City.
Toilet Paper Overcharges
If you think a store, including an online business, excessively increased the price of toilet paper beginning in March due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), file a price gouging complaint with the New York State Office of the Attorney General.
Online
Report price gouging to the State Attorney General.
By Phone
- Agency: New York State Attorney General
- Division: New York State Attorney General Local Office
- Phone Number: (212) 416-8000
- Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM
