HARRISBURG, Pa - Attorney General Josh Shapiro says his office has set up a hotline for consumers to report instances of price gouging, like overcharging for masks or raising the prices beyond what’s fair for household supplies. He says people only need four pieces of information.
“The name of the product, the price of the product, the name of the store you are trying to buy from and the location of the store - it doesn’t matter if it’s on a street corner or online,” said Shapiro.
Shapiro says his office has followed up on every tip that it's received. He says he’s issued about 500 cease and desist letters for businesses that have refused to comply.
And if the businesses still don’t drop their prices…
“Make no mistake, when someone tries to take advantage of a Pennsylvanian during this crisis - we will hold them accountable - to the fullest extent our civil laws allow or that our criminal laws allow.”
Sharipo says despite the numerous complaints, most merchants in the state are doing the right thing and charging reasonable prices.