Officials in Camden County are increasing inspections for price gouging by looking for bumps in cost for things such as hand sanitizer, disinfectants, toiletries and bottled water.

 

Officials say they want to make sure people aren't being taken advantage of, as the items are limited. 

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"Even if an individual goes into a store and sees the $1 bottle of hand sanitizer yesterday is now $5, call the Health Department, we'll send an inspector over and we'll take care of it, because that is illegal," says Carmen Rodriguez, the Camden County freeholder.

Checks will occur daily at supermarkets, gas stations and packing plants.

New Jersey's price gouging law prohibits excessive price increases during a declared state of emergency, and for 30 days after its termination. To date, there have been around 160 consumer complaints alleging price gouging.

Price gouging violations are punishable by civil penalties of up to $10,000 for the first offense and $20,000 for the second and subsequent offenses.

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