NYAG Warns Of Price Gouging As COVID Tests Fly Off Shelves

NEW YORK — As the omicron variant spreads rapidly in New York and on Long Island, home coronavirus testing kits are flying off the shelves. Attorney General Letitia James is urging consumers to be on the lookout for price gouging for the tests, as well as for other in-demand products.

“As New York sees an exponential rise in COVID-19 cases, more and more New Yorkers are looking for at-home tests and other tools in the fight against the coronavirus,” James said. “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.”

James said her office has already received complaints of COVID tests selling for double or triple the normal price. A standard BinaxNOW test costs between $14 and $25 for a pack of two tests, but James said her office has gotten reports of some places selling them from $40 to $70 per package.

Price gouging is illegal in New York. The law prohibits merchants from taking advantage of customers by selling goods that are vital to their health, safety or welfare for an "unconscionably excessive" price. That is defined as a big disparity of the price before and after demand spikes.

Last year, a law was passed that allows the Attorney General's office to bring higher charges against people price gouging during the pandemic.

Anyone who thinks they see price gouging at stores, or has been the victim of it, can file a complaint on the Attorney General's website or call 800-771-7755.