How To Report Nor'easter Price Gouging In The Hudson Valley

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Many in the Hudson Valley woke to find that the nor'easter affected their lives in unexpected ways, but the New York AG wants to make sure those storm victims aren't taken advantage of as they recover.

New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert warning New York consumers and businesses of price gouging during and following the storm that bought heavy wind and rain, as well as flooding, to New York this weekend.

"New Yorkers should never have to face unfair price hikes to stay safe during a storm," James said. "With high winds, heavy rain, and potentially dangerous flooding expected in the Hudson Valley, New York City, and on Long Island, my office will be on the lookout for any unjust price increases. I encourage all New Yorkers to stay safe and report price gouging to my office."

Governor Hochul has declared a state of emergency in New York City and Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties in advance of the storm. New York’s price gouging law prevents businesses from taking advantage of consumers by selling essential goods or services at an excessively higher price during market disruptions or emergencies.

The attorney general is urging New Yorkers who see higher prices on essential goods and services to file complaints with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).

New York law prohibits businesses from taking unfair advantage of consumers by selling goods or services that are vital to health, safety, or welfare for an unconscionably excessive price during emergencies. The price gouging law covers New York state vendors, retailers, and suppliers, and includes essential goods and services that are necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of consumers or the general public. These goods and services include food, water, gasoline, generators, batteries, flashlights, hotel lodging, and transportation options.

When reporting price gouging to OAG, consumers should report the specific increased prices, dates, and places that they saw the increased prices, and provide copies of their sales receipts and photos of the advertised prices, if available.

Price gouging violations in New York can carry penalties of up to $25,000 per violation. New Yorkers are asked report potential concerns about price gouging to OAG by filing a complaint online or calling 800-771-7755.