Coronavirus: DOJ issues warning over price gouging
The United States Department of Justice is prepared to prosecute those who would fix prices or rig bids for personal health equipment during the coronavirus outbreak.
On Monday, the department announced its intention to make sure items like sterile gloves, face masks, respirators and diagnostics remain reasonably priced.
“The Department of Justice stands ready to make sure that bad actors do not take advantage of emergency response efforts, healthcare providers, or the American people during this crucial time,” Attorney General William P. Barr said in a news release. “I am committed to ensuring that the department’s resources are available to combat any wrongdoing and protect the public.”
Barr's office said this effort is to put federal and local health authorities, the private health care sector and the general public are in the best position to respond to the outbreak.
Many brands had already taken steps to fight price gouging. Items like hand sanitizer, masks and disinfecting wipes were banned from eBay, FOX Business reported.
RELATED: Amazon removes more than a million products over price gouging, false claims amid coronavirus panic
With the growing spread of the coronavirus around the world it is becoming harder and harder to find protective equipment and hand sanitizer around the country, especially the N95 protective face mask which Patrom is selling for $30, three times its
Officials encourage anyone wishing to report price-fixing or bid-rigging schemes to contact the Antitrust Division's Citizen Complaint Center at 888-647-3258 or visit the website.
This story was reported from Atlanta.