OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson said he's joining Attorneys General from other states in urging more rigorous monitoring of price gouging through online platforms.
“We want the business community and American consumers to know that we endeavor to balance the twin imperatives of commerce and consumer protection in the marketplace,” said the Attorneys General in their letter. “And, while we appreciate reports of the efforts made by platforms and online retailers to crack down on price gouging as the American community faces an unprecedented public health crisis, we are calling on you to do more at a time that requires national unity.”
Peterson is calling on people in Nebraska to report instances of price gouging for investigation. You can file a report online or by calling (800) 727-6432.
“I encourage people to file complaints with our office if they believe price gouging is occurring in Nebraska. We will investigate, and when possible, prosecute to the fullest extent,” stated Peterson.
Peterson says a letter from the Attorneys General to retailers made note of several instances including:
- On Craigslist, a two-liter bottle of hand sanitizer was being sold for $250
- On Facebook Marketplace, an eight-ounce bottle of hand sanitizer was being sold for $40
- On eBay, packs of face masks were being sold for $40 and $50.
The Attorneys General are urging changes to protect consumers including "enhanced policies to detect and prevent unconscionable price gouging during emergencies."
Peterson is joined by Attorneys General from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wyoming, and Puerto Rico in the effort.