As New Jersey braces for a major winter storm, Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Consumer Affairs have issued a warning to sellers against price gouging during the declared state of emergency. The announcement follows Governor Mikie Sherrill’s declaration that the state will enter a State of Emergency effective at 5 p.m.
New Jersey law prohibits sellers from increasing prices by more than 10 percent over their normal rates during a declared state of emergency and for 30 days after it ends. This applies to essential goods and services such as food, gas, hotel rooms, generators, and other necessary items.
Governor Sherrill emphasized her administration’s commitment to preventing exploitation: “As a former prosecutor, my administration will not tolerate price gouging, and we will be vigilant during this winter storm,” she said. “My Attorney General and I will have zero tolerance for those who prey on New Jerseyans during this state of emergency.”
Acting Attorney General Davenport echoed these sentiments: “As New Jerseyans confront an affordability crisis, we will not allow our state’s consumers to be financially exploited during a major winter storm. Any merchant that unlawfully increases prices for food, gas, hotel rooms, generators, or other necessary items or services in connection with this state of emergency will face serious consequences for their misconduct, and we stand at the ready to enforce our state’s protections against price gouging.”
Jeremy E. Hollander, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, stated: “The state’s price gouging laws will be strictly enforced to protect consumers from being victimized by unfair and unlawful price hikes. The Division will investigate and hold accountable unscrupulous merchants seeking to unfairly profit off of New Jersey residents dealing with this winter storm.”
Violations can result in civil penalties up to $10,000 for a first offense and $20,000 for subsequent offenses. Each sale is treated as a separate violation under the law.
Consumers are encouraged to report suspected price gouging or disaster-related fraud by calling the Division’s Emergency Hotline at (973) 504-6240 or submitting complaints online. Complainants should provide detailed information about the business involved as well as pricing before and after the declaration if possible.
