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Price Gouging is Illegal
Price Gouging is ILLEGAL for ANY Item or Service Needed to Limit the Spread of COVID-19
*Information is current as of March 27, 2020*
On March 16, the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) announced an emergency rule that 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.
Exception:
If you raised the price of these items because it costs you more to supply them, you must provide proof to DCWP.
Be aware that any increase must be comparable. If you paid $2 more per item, you cannot charge customers $50 more.
If you raised the price of these items because it costs you more to supply them, you must provide proof to DCWP.
Be aware that any increase must be comparable. If you paid $2 more per item, you cannot charge customers $50 more.
Were you overcharged? If you think a store excessively increased the price of these items beginning in March, file a complaint online or call 311 and say "Overcharge."
Information Flyers for Consumers and Businesses
Consumers: Have you tried to buy any good or service needed to limit the spread of COVID-19? Download flyer in:
English | Español (Spanish) | العربية (Arabic) | বাংলা (Bengali) | 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified) | 繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional) | Français (French) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole) | 한국어 (Korean) | Język Polski (Polish) | Русский (Russian) | ردو (Urdu)
English | Español (Spanish) | العربية (Arabic) | বাংলা (Bengali) | 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified) | 繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional) | Français (French) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole) | 한국어 (Korean) | Język Polski (Polish) | Русский (Russian) | ردو (Urdu)
Businesses: Do you sell any good or service needed to limit the spread of COVID-19? Download flyer in:
English | Español (Spanish) | العربية (Arabic) | বাংলা (Bengali) | 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified) | 繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional) | Français (French) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole) | 한국어 (Korean) | Język Polski (Polish) | Русский (Russian) | ردو (Urdu)
English | Español (Spanish) | العربية (Arabic) | বাংলা (Bengali) | 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified) | 繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional) | Français (French) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole) | 한국어 (Korean) | Język Polski (Polish) | Русский (Russian) | ردو (Urdu)
Reminder about NYC's Paid Safe and Sick Leave Law
Part time or full time workers at any size business or nonprofit in NYC have the right to safe and sick leave to care for themselves or anyone they consider family.
Workers: Know your worker rights
Employers: You cannot retaliate against workers for exercising their right to safe and sick leave. Know your responsibilities.
Workers: Know your worker rights
Employers: You cannot retaliate against workers for exercising their right to safe and sick leave. Know your responsibilities.
Stay Healthy and Informed
There are many things you can do every day to help stop the spread of germs, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene recommends:
- Covering your coughs and sneezes
- Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
It is important that we separate facts from fear and guard against stigma. For the latest updates about COVID-19, visit nyc.gov/coronavirus.