AG office sending cease and desist letters to sellers price gouging on coronavirus-related products

OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington Attorney General’s Office has sent several cease and desist letters to Amazon sellers who significantly raised prices on coronavirus-related products such as hand sanitizer and N95 masks.

The letter warned these sellers that if they refuse to comply, it could result in a lawsuit under the state's Consumer Protection Act.

Some sellers increase prices by more than 600 percent, according to a press release. One seller in Spokane raised the price of an 8-ounce bottle of hand sanitzer to more than $25.

“Price-gouging during an emergency is morally wrong, and a violation of the Consumer Protection Act,” Ferguson said.

Ferguson added that his office will use all tools at its disposal to prevent further price-gouging during the health emergency.

To file a complaint about price-gouging, visit the attorney general’s office website.

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