I was a prosecutor: governor and attorney general warn against scammers price gouging during snow emergency

I was a prosecutor: Governor and Attorney General warn against scammers price gouging during snow emergency

January 24, 2026
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New Jersey warns businesses against price gouging as state of emergency declared for winter storm

Trenton, NJ – As a major winter storm bears down on New Jersey, Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Consumer Affairs are warning merchants that price gouging during the declared emergency will not be tolerated. The announcement follows Governor Mikie Sherrill’s declaration of a State of Emergency effective at 5 p.m. Saturday.

“As a former prosecutor, my administration will not tolerate price gouging, and we will be vigilant during this winter storm,” said Governor Sherrill. “My Attorney General and I will have zero tolerance for those who prey on New Jerseyans during this state of emergency.”

Under New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 56:8-107 et seq.), sellers are prohibited from increasing prices by more than 10 percent above their usual rate during a state of emergency or for 30 days after it ends. The law applies to essential goods and services such as food, gasoline, hotel rooms, and generators.

Governor Sherrill said her administration will take a zero-tolerance approach toward anyone attempting to exploit residents during the storm. “My Attorney General and I will have zero tolerance for those who prey on New Jerseyans during this state of emergency,” she said. Acting Attorney General Davenport echoed that warning, stating that violators will face serious consequences.

  • Price gouging banned during and after declared state of emergency
  • Governor Sherrill and AG Davenport pledge strict enforcement
  • Violators face fines up to $20,000 per offense

Acting Division Director Jeremy E. Hollander emphasized that investigators will pursue complaints swiftly to protect consumers. Penalties for violations can reach $10,000 for the first offense and $20,000 for subsequent offenses, with each sale counted as a separate violation.

Consumers who suspect price gouging or disaster-related fraud can contact the Division’s Emergency Hotline at (973) 504-6240 or file a report online at njconsumeraffairs.nj.gov/file-a-complaint.

Shore News Network

Shore News Network

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

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