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Florida Attorney General Goes After Amazon Reseller Price Gouging
March 26, 2020
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has issued more than 40 subpoenas to third-party sellers in Florida accused of price gouging on essential commodities through accounts on Amazon.
The subpoenas come as Moody’s Consumer Protection Division continues to review allegations of unlawful price increases on essential commodities during the COVID-19 state of emergency. Allegations against the third-party vendors include excessive price increases on commodities such as face masks, hand sanitizers and disinfectants of up to 1,662 percent.
Moody said, “Floridians are searching for essential products needed to stay safe and healthy during this COVID-19 pandemic. Sadly, when they find these products for sale online, they often discover that the price tag makes them unattainable. This is unacceptable and unlawful. My Consumer Protection investigators are working diligently to identify, investigate and bring to justice anyone trying to exploit this global health crisis to rip off Floridians, and we appreciate Amazon’s commitment to helping us stop third-party vendors trying to use its online platform to exploit the crisis.”
Before Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state emergency over the spread of COVID-19, activating Florida’s price gouging laws, Moody said she began communicating with Amazon and other retailers in an effort to protect Florida consumers. Since then, the Attorney General’s Office has worked with Amazon to:
Set up a system to quickly review and address the concerns of consumers who contact the Attorney General’s Price Gouging Hotline;
Provide refunds directly to Florida consumers—even if sellers were third parties;
Remove more than 35 posts selling products at inflated prices related to complaints made by Florida consumers to the Hotline; and
Create a specific point of contact for the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division to quickly address pricing and other consumer-related issues.
Comments
4 Responses to “Florida Attorney General Goes After Amazon Reseller Price Gouging”
Mary, you have until April, 4th to return on Amazon for free.
On March 4, just as the corona virus started, I went on Amazon to purchase hand wipes. DRJ Enterprises was selling a 20 count of Wet Ones Citrus Antibacterial Hand Wipes for $17.42. (original price about $3)
At the time we were supposed to get on a flight (which was cancelled) and we purchase the item in desperation.
I realize now that you folks are going after these people and Amazon who allowed them to do it.
Awesome news! Might want to check eBay as well…saw lots available there that could not be found in our stores.
Tried to purchase Stacy’s Chips which $5. Something in Sam’s for a 28 oz bag. Amazon wants $15 plus dollars !!! Terrible.