Watch Out For Passover Price Gouging In NYC Orthodox Nabes, AG Says

BROOKLYN, NY — The attorney general is warning Jewish New Yorkers to look out for price-gouging as they wash their cars or homes during Passover this month.

Attorney General Letitia James released a consumer alert on Thursday about potential discriminatory pricing during the holiday, which many Jews prepare for by cleaning their homes, cars and other spaces to remove “chametz,” or leavened products.

In past years, officials have caught car washes in the city's Orthodox Jewish communities raising prices by as much as 50 percent for Jewish customers getting ready for Passover, the AG said.

“It’s shameful that we even have to warn Jewish communities about the possibility that companies would take advantage of them during the holidays,” James said. “If we learn of any businesses engaging in such disgusting and antisemitic practices, we will not hesitate to take swift and serious legal action."

Jewish New Yorkers should specifically be wary of "specials" advertised for the holiday, according to the attorney general.

Car washes will often post about "specials" related to Passover that instead charge higher prices for Jewish customers, according to Borough Park Assemblymember Simcha Eichenstein.

"The Passover season is expensive enough and unfortunately many local families struggle to make ends meet at this time of year,” Eichenstein said. “Shameless overcharging before the holiday is clearly religious discrimination and totally unacceptable in this industry or any industry."

James also sent out letters to organizations representing car wash owners to warn them about consequences for the illegal price-gouging.

New Yorkers who believe they were charged more for services because of religion, race, or background, or know of businesses using these discriminatory practices can file a complaint with the OAG.

If you see price-gouging during the holiday, let Patch know by emailing Anna.quinn@patch.com or commenting on this story.