Iowa Attorney General Receiving Lots of COVID-19 Price-Gouging Complaints

The Iowa Attorney General’s Office is receiving lots of calls and emails about price gouging during the coronavirus outbreak. Around 128 formal complaints had been filed as of last week and more than 200 informal complaints have been taken. A spokesperson says the most frequent complaints involve large price increases on medical masks and respirators, toilet paper, hand sanitizer and cleaning products. The A-G’s office says it is contacting retail stores, suppliers and online sites for more information and issuing warnings. Businesses or individuals found in violation could face civil penalties of up to 40-thousand dollars under the Iowa Consumer Fraud Act.