NY Attorney General Probes Craigslist Price Gouging

One ad from Brooklyn offers for $150 a gas can that normally sells for $17 and that may or may not include gasoline

An official familiar with New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman's investigation of price gouging following Superstorm Sandy says Craigslist has been subpoenaed to identify the advertisers of items including 12 gallons of gas for $300.

Another ad, from Brooklyn, offers for $150 a gas can that normally sells for $17 and that may or may not include gasoline.

The official, who was not authorized to disclose the legal action publicly, says the subpoena targets about 100 ads.

Craigslist, a classified advertising website, did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

New York law prohibits taking advantage of consumers by selling goods or services for an "unconscionably excessive price" during an emergency.

Schneiderman's office is investigating some 600 price gouging complaints from New York City, Westchester County and Long Island.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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