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Price Gouging is Illegal
Price Gouging is ILLEGAL
*Information is current as of July 14, 2020*
During a State of Emergency in the City of New York, it is illegal for businesses to charge excessive prices for goods or services that are essential to health, safety or welfare. An excessive price means a price 10% or more above what a buyer in the City could pay for the same or similar good or service 30-60 days prior to the declaration of the State of Emergency.
Throughout the COVID-19 State of Emergency, DCWP has been addressing complaints about excessive prices on the following products:
- Cleaning products
- Diagnostic products and services
- Disinfectants (wipes, liquids, sprays)
- Face masks
- Gloves
- Hand sanitizer
- Medicines
- Paper towels
- Rubbing alcohol
- Soap
- Tissues
Exception:
If a business raises the price of a good or service because it costs the business more to supply or provide it, the business must present proof to DCWP. Any increase must be comparable. For example, if the business paid $2 more per item, it cannot charge customers $50 more.
If a business raises the price of a good or service because it costs the business more to supply or provide it, the business must present proof to DCWP. Any increase must be comparable. For example, if the business paid $2 more per item, it cannot charge customers $50 more.
Were you overcharged? If you think a store is charging excessive prices, 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.