AG, online retailers launch program to combat COVID-19 price gouging

Utah Attorney General Sean D. Reyes and online marketplaces KSL Classifieds, Amazon, eBay and Facebook have announced a partnership aimed at monitoring and combating price gouging related to COVID-19. The attorney general’s office will partner with the Utah Division of Consumer Protection and representatives from online marketers to communicate regularly about consumer complaints and potential price gouging by third-party sellers on their online marketplaces. The companies will also provide market analysis and other aid to help identify individuals who are using the online marketplaces in Utah to spike prices on COVID-19-related items.

“We appreciate the proactive approach of KSL Classifieds, Amazon, Facebook and eBay during this crisis,” said Reyes. “They came to us with possible price gouging offenders early in this pandemic. We have asked online companies to be vigilant about this issue and want to acknowledge those companies who have answered the call.”

“We take any kind of price gouging or potentially illegal activity very seriously on our marketplace,” said Eric Bright, chief marketing officer of KSL Classifieds. “We’re constantly monitoring for suspicious activity and are proud to cooperate with the attorney general and the Division of Consumer Protection on egregious cases.”

KSL Classifieds, Amazon, eBay and Facebook are currently analyzing sales data to identify any bad actors in Utah who are trying to profiteer off the health and safety of Utah citizens. The companies will be sharing that information with the Division of Consumer Protection and the Utah Attorney General’s Office for potential legal action.