$275G in fines for price-gouging in NYC

The city has given $275,000 in fines to stores for price-gouging on basic supplies during the coronavirus crisis.

The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection administered 550 fines to scheming stores, Mayor de Blasio said at a Tuesday press conference.

“God bless the Department of Consumer Worker Protection,” Hizzoner said. “And I say to all the stores, you’ve gotta be out of your mind to be price-gouging in the middle of a pandemic.”

Since last week, the mayor has encouraged New Yorkers to call 311 to report stores jacking up prices by 10% or more on basics.

Items covered by the crackdown are thermometers, sanitizing wipes, baby wipes, paper towels, latex gloves, face masks, fever reducers, cough suppressants, zinc oxide supplements, facial tissue, toilet paper, rubbing alcohol and aloe vera, the latter two of which can be combined to make hand sanitizer.

“It is not time for profiteering. It is time to be a good citizen and help your fellow New Yorker,” de Blasio said Monday.

In addition to calling 311, victims of price-gouging can visit nyc.gov/dcwp to lodge complaints.

The stores hit with fines include Scheman & Grant Hardware in Midtown and City Fresh Market in Astoria, Queens, according to state Attorney General Letitia James.

The hardware store was caught hawking 1,200-milliliter bottles of hand sanitizer for $79.99, while the grocery store had the gall to charge $14.99 for 19-ounce bottles of disinfectant spray, according to James’ office.

The attorney general announced cease-and-desist letters to the two stores on Tuesday.

“Some people are looking to prey on others’ anxiety and line their own pockets,” James said in a statement. “My office will remain vigilant in ensuring that we find and stop such unlawful activity and continue to ask the public to report suspected fraud, scams, or price gouging to my office.”