New York Attorney General Letitia James is warning Long Island residents and businesses that price gouging is illegal as a severe coastal storm brings the threat of dangerous flooding to the region.
The warning comes after Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency covering Nassau and Suffolk counties, New York City and Westchester County.
James said New Yorkers should be alert for excessive price increases on essential goods and services that may be needed during the storm.
Items covered by New York’s price-gouging law can include food, water, gasoline, generators, batteries, flashlights, hotel lodging and transportation.
The law prohibits businesses from taking unfair advantage of consumers during emergencies by charging excessively higher prices for vital goods and services.
Businesses found to have violated the state’s price-gouging law can face penalties of up to $25,000 for each violation.
The Attorney General’s Office did not announce any specific price-gouging complaints or enforcement actions involving Nassau or Suffolk counties in issuing the warning.
