Indiana gets dozens of price gouging complaints amid virus

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Indiana's attorney general said Thursday that dozens of Hoosiers have contacted his office to complain about merchants charging exorbitant prices for toilet paper, food, cleaning products and other essential items during the coronavirus pandemic.

Attorney General Curtis Hill said the complaints received so far have involved high prices being charged by superstores, home improvement stores, grocery stores, e-commerce websites and others since Gov. Eric Holcomb declared a public health emergency last month.

Hill encouraged consumers who believe they have been subjected to excessive prices for consumer goods to file complaints with his office's Consumer Protection Division.

'œHoosier consumers should never have to pay exorbitant prices for essential products, especially amid the coronavirus pandemic, which is causing thousands to suffer financial hardships,'ť he said in a statement.

Consumers can file price gouging complaints online and they can expedite their complaint through a review process by including photos of the prices and product, as well as copies of receipts.

Hill said attorneys from the Consumer Protection Division will review all price gouging complaints and contact the consumers who submit the complaints. If it's determined that a seller committed an unfair or unconscionable business practice, the office will then consider issuing a cease and desist letter to that seller.

People with questions for the Consumer Protection Division may call 1-800-382-5516.