New Jersey officials warn against price gouging as storm emergency begins; hotline set for complaints
NEW JERSEY — New Jersey officials warned businesses Saturday that price gouging during the state of emergency declared ahead of a major winter storm will not be tolerated, urging consumers to report sharp increases in the cost of essential goods and services.
Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the state Division of Consumer Affairs issued the warning as Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s statewide emergency was set to take effect at 5 p.m. Saturday.
New Jersey’s price gouging law prohibits sellers from excessively increasing prices during a declared state of emergency and for 30 days after it ends. Under the law, an excessive increase is generally defined as a price hike of more than 10% above the price charged in the normal course of business before the emergency declaration.
“As a former prosecutor, my administration will not tolerate price gouging, and we will be vigilant during this winter storm,” said Governor Sherrill. “My Attorney General and I will have zero tolerance for those who prey on New Jerseyans during this state of emergency.”
“As New Jerseyans confront an affordability crisis, we will not allow our state’s consumers to be financially exploited during a major winter storm,” said Acting Attorney General Davenport. “Any merchant that unlawfully increases prices for food, gas, hotel rooms, generators, or other necessary items or services in connection with this state of emergency will face serious consequences for their misconduct, and we stand at the ready to enforce our state’s protections against price gouging.”
“The state’s price gouging laws will be strictly enforced to protect consumers from being victimized by unfair and unlawful price hikes,” said Jeremy E. Hollander, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “The Division will investigate and hold accountable unscrupulous merchants seeking to unfairly profit off of New Jersey residents dealing with this winter storm.”
Violations can bring civil penalties of up to $10,000 for a first offense and $20,000 for second and subsequent offenses, officials said. Each sale can be treated as a separate violation.
Consumers who believe price gouging or other disaster-related fraud is occurring were urged to contact the Division of Consumer Affairs Emergency Hotline at (973) 504-6240 and provide details including the business name and location, and, when possible, prices before and after the emergency declaration. Complaints can also be filed online through the Division of Consumer Affairs.
