State Attorney General Letitia James warned businesses against price-gauging essential essentials amid winter storms.
James said the New York price gouging statute prevents businesses from significantly increasing the price tags of goods during emergencies or market disruptions and urged residents who experience such incidents to report them to her office, according to a release.
James said businesses which increase could receive a fine of up to $25,000 per violation.
The essential services include food, water, gasoline, generators, batteries, flashlights, hotel lodging, and transportation options.
The statute covers New York state vendors, retailers, and suppliers and includes essential goods and services necessary for consumers' health, safety, and welfare of the general public.
"Ahead of major storms, and in their aftermaths, New Yorkers should be able to stock up on supplies without worrying that businesses might try to take advantage by jacking up prices,” said the attorney general.
Residents who wish to lodge complaints against businesses are urged to specify increased prices, dates, and places where they saw the increased prices and provide copies of their sales receipts and photos of the advertised prices, if available.
"New Yorkers should report potential concerns about price gouging to OAG by filing a complaint online or calling 800-771-7755," James said.
