AG asks public to report price gouging for test kits

The New York Attorney General’s office is asking the public to be aware of potential price gouging of over-the-counter coronavirus test kits.

In a news release, Attorney General Letitia James said her office has received complaints of COVID-19 testing products being sold at double or triple their retail price. Standard BinaxNOW brand test kits sold at stores for between $14 and $25 for a package of two tests are reportedly being unlawfully sold for more than $40 and up to $70 per package.

New York law prohibits merchants from taking unfair advantage of consumers by selling goods or services that are vital to their health, safety or welfare for an “unconscionably excessive” price. An excessive price would be represented by a gross disparity between the price of the product immediately prior to and after an occurrence.

Any New Yorker who is aware of or believes that they have been the victim of price gouging is encouraged to file a complaint online at on.ny.gov/32ms62H or call (800) 771-7755.

“As New York sees an exponential rise in COVID-19 cases, more and more New Yorkers are looking for athome tests and other tools in the fight against the coronavirus,” James said in a statement. “If New Yorkers see exorbitant price increases on testing kits or other goods vital and necessary for health, safety and welfare, they are encouraged to report it my office immediately. And fraudsters are on notice that if they attempt to price gouge during this new surge, we will not hesitate to take action.”