New Jersey’s price gouging law prohibits excessive price increases during a declared state of emergency, or for 30 days after the termination of the state of emergency. Excessive price increases are defined as price increases that are more than 10 percent higher than the price at which merchandise was sold during the normal course of business prior to the state of emergency. Governor Chris Christie declared a State of Emergency on March 13, 2017.
“Any merchant that unlawfully increases prices for food, gas, hotel rooms, generators, or other necessary items or services in connection with this State of Emergency will face serious consequences,” said Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino. “The state’s price gouging laws will be strictly enforced to protect consumers from being victimized at a time when they’re at their most vulnerable.”
“Consumers who suspect price gouging in connection with Winter Storm Stella should contact the Division of Consumer Affairs immediately,” said Steve Lee, Director of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. “Division investigators are prepared to take action to enforce the laws to protect consumers from unscrupulous merchants seeking to unfairly profit from their suffering.”
Price-gouging violations are punishable by civil penalties of up to $10,000 for the first offense and $20,000 for the second and subsequent offenses. Each individual sale of merchandise is considered a separate and distinct event.
Tips to Consumers Concerning Price Gouging:
Consumers who believe they have been cheated or scammed by a business, or suspect any other form of consumer abuse in connection with Winter Storm Stella can file an online complaint with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website at www.njconsumeraffairs.gov or by calling (973) 504-6240.
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