Photo: Araceli Martinez / Impremedia
In the face of reports of excessive prices for home covid tests, the demand for which has skyrocketed in recent weeks, due to the rapid increase in infections by the Omicron variant, Attorney Mike Feuer encouraged to denounce those who take advantage and charge excessively for these tests.
“The prices for a package of two tests should not cost more of $19, and those who try to profit from this health crisis by gouging prices can be fined up to $1,000,” warned Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer.
Urged to file an online complaint at: lacityattorney.org/covid11 or call 107-978-8070.
“In the face of the greatest avalanche of covid cases-19 Since the beginning of the pandemic, Angelenos have been working hard to follow public health guidelines, including testing and self-isolation to protect loved ones, co-workers and the community,” Feuer said.
“Unfortunately, as happened at the beginning, some seek to take advantage of this emergency by increasing the price of covid test kits-19 in the home, which makes them much more difficult to obtain.”
Emphasized that consumers should beware of the high prices of these kits and report any suspected surge to their office.
“When we become aware of possible violations, we will take action”.
The prosecutor said that they work closely with the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA).
“It is unacceptable that during these difficult times, some try to take advantage of the vulnerability and despair of consumers,” said the Director of DCBA, Rafael Carbajal.
He pointed out that the DCBA encouraged consumers to be vigilant, informed and report these problems.
In addition to defrauding consumers , price speculation has other negative consequences, said attorney Feuer.
He even pointed out that if consumers do not make the purchase, the simple Seeing overly inflated prices can lead to concerns and general panic about shortages of items related to this emergency.
The consumers they can report price gouging they see in store or online by providing evidence of the advertised price and, if known, information about the previous lowest price, even if they never purchased the product.
Governor Newsom’s executive order issued on January 8, and effective until 31 March 2021, prohibits any person who has sold home test kits on or after December 1, 2021, please increase prices by more than 10% of what you received on December 1.
Further prohibits anyone who did not sell home test kits after December 1, 2021, charge any consumer a price 50% greater than what you paid for it kit itself.
Violations of the executive order are considered misdemeanors under section 8665 of the Government Code, and each act of speculation warrants a fine up to $1, or six months in prison.
Feuer recommended that consumers verify that the test they want to buy is authorized by the Food and Drug Administration, which has a list of 303 evidence.
Check out the rapid results antigen tests here: https://bit.ly/3qnFCfx. And the authorized PCR tests at: https://bit.ly/3qp2ETx
Identity theft
The Los Angeles Attorney said about the testing sites that appear overnight, that they may not be legitimate, and potentially identity theft and health insurance fraud.
He urged Angelenos to go to a list of sites to verify that you are licensed by the Los Angeles County Department of Health.
He also asked to ask for references and to search online for comments and complaints before going to those sites to get tested.
Since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, the attorney for the City Feuer has been a national leader in prosecuting covid-related scams and price gouging.
Has achieved multiple convictions for price gouging of goods, such as equi protection against online retailers and physical stores, resulting in restitution orders for victims, criminal fines, and the donation of personal protective equipment.
Has also sent cease and desist letters to local stores allegedly involved in price gouging; and has brought numerous civil enforcement actions against companies and individuals who allegedly marketed and sold unauthorized tests and treatments for covid-01.