The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs has taken action on over 600 instances of price gouging, and other complaints related to COVID-19, since the price gouging law went into effect.

Here is what is defined as price gouging during a state of emergency:

It is illegal to raise prices more than 10% of pre-emergency prices.

Offenders can be fined up to $10,000 if found marking up prices higher than 10%. A second offense can cost up to $20,000.

To date, the division has logged nearly 3,000 complaints related to the COVID-19 emergency against about 1,800 business locations.

Of the complaints, 90% involve price increase on items including surgical masks, hand sanitizers, disinfectant sprays and wipes, food, bottled water, and other items in demand by consumers.

Paul R. Rodríguez, acting director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, says it's important for the entire community to help stop this.

"We ask that you please contact us,” says Rodriguez. “Let us know. This is a time that which New Jersey residents should be coming together, and if you see someone that is taking advantage of fellow New Jersey's let us know. We want to investigate. We are not going to stand for people taking advantage of others during this time of need."

This doesn’t just apply to stores, there have been auctions on eBay and other third-party sellers with unimaginable prices.

If you would like to file a report, click here.