How to file a complaint if you see price gouging
SEATTLE (KOMO) – If you see what you think is an example of extreme price gouging, snap a photo and file a complaint with both the retailer, the online marketplace and your state's Attorney General.
That's the new directive from the Washington Attorney General, U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), and legislators from 45 states in the wake of continued complaints about significant price hikes for certain products since coronavirus was declared a global pandemic
Consumer watchdogs say it's one thing to pay a dollar or two more for high-demand products due to higher production and delivery costs during a global crisis, but a new price check finds some prices are more than 200% of what consumers should be paying.
To spotlight the ongoing problem,347 legislators from 45 states partnered Tuesday with U.S. PIRG to send letters urging Amazon, Craigslist, eBay, Facebook and Walmart to implement preventative measures on their platforms to make sure consumers are not exploited during this public health crisis.
At the same time, state Attorney General Bob Ferguson launched an awareness campaign urging anyone who sees price gouging to snap a photo or take a screenshot and file a complaint.
"When you see a business charging exorbitant prices on products that are essential to our health and well-being, snap a photo and file a complaint with my office," urged Ferguson.
Examples of excessive price hikes according to U.S. PIRG's most recent analysis: A digital thermometer priced at $27 when the average price over the last 180 days was $17.99 and three, 20-count boxes of N95 masks priced at $239, or $3.98 per mask, compared to a normal price of $1 per mask.
"Americans are already worried about their health and the health of their loved ones during this pandemic," said U.S. PIRG Education Fund Consumer Watchdog Adam Garber in a published release. "They shouldn't also have to worry about being ripped off on the critical supplies they need to get through it."U.S. PIRG's tips to consumers include using price tracking apps that give you an idea of the typical charges for products you need so you can tell when a vendor's price is excessive by comparison.
KOMO News reached out to Amazon and eBay for their responses to price gouging concerns.
"There is no place for price gouging on Amazon," an Amazon spokesperson said in a statement. "We are disappointed that bad actors are attempting to artificially raise prices on basic need products during a global health crisis and, in line with our long-standing policy, have recently blocked or removed hundreds of thousands of offers. We are working with attorneys general to hold these bad actors accountable and continue to actively monitor our store and remove offers that violate our policies."
"Like so many companies, we have been closely monitoring the coronavirus pandemic as it continues to develop," an eBay spokesperson said in a statement. "As always, our first priority is to ensure the safety of our employees and customers around the world. eBay is taking significant measures to block or quickly remove items on our marketplace that make false health claims. We are making every effort to ensure that anyone who sells on our platform follows local laws and eBay policies."