David Michel

As Connecticut focuses on containing the coronavirus, the Office of the Attorney General has received multiple complaints regarding large price hikes in basic supplies like hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes.

Price gouging and taking advantage of people during a crisis is wrong. Connecticut laws prohibit price gouging in retail sales during a publicly declared emergency, which Governor Ned Lamont declared on Tuesday.

Acting in coordination with the Department of Consumer Protection, the Office of the Attorney General may file suit against price gougers, and may pursue any number of avenues to deter future illegal sales.

What To Do

Stay calm and listen to the public health experts.

• Don’t let these predators profit off your panic.
• Consumers may see price increases in the coming days and weeks. Not all price increases are the result of price gouging. The basic economic laws of supply and demand can and do affect prices in times like these.
• Consumers should take appropriate precautions to protect themselves personally and financially.
• Anyone who suspects price gouging should file a complaint immediately with the Attorney General’s Office online or by calling 860-808-5318.

Because the situation with coronavirus changes minute-by-minute, visit ct.gov/Coronavirus and the CDC for the latest information.

If you live in Connecticut and have general questions about coronavirus, you may call 211 or text the word "COVID19" to 898211.