(WXYZ) — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has received court approval to subpoena an Ann Arbor business that allegedly price gouged amid the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the AG's office, they will subpoena A.M. Cleaning & Supplies for transaction records in March as well as employee and owner testimony.
Related: Person caught selling cases of toilet paper for $60 in Canton
The AG's office received 11 complaints against A.M. Cleaning that allege the store increase hand sanitizer costs.
Complaints rolled in after the business allegedly advertised hand sanitizer for $60 for a 12-ounce bottle on social media, as well as an 8-ounce bottle for $40 and a 4-ounce bottle for $20. The AG's office said days before, they were priced at $7.50, $5 and $2.50 respectively.
Related: What to do before filing a price gouging complaint in Michigan
“Legal recourse is not the preferred option, but my office will take any necessary steps to determine whether reports of price-gouging are valid,” Nessel said. “Businesses must play by the rules and if a company is breaking the law, we will hold it accountable. Michigan consumers looking to buy products they need or to protect their health during this pandemic will not be subjected to excessively high prices.”
The office sent a cease and desist on March 11.
Businesses could be in violation of the MCPA if they are:
- Advertising or representing goods or services with intent not to dispose of those goods or services as advertised or represented.
- Charging the consumer a price that is grossly in excess of the price at which similar property or services are sold.
- Causing coercion and duress as the result of the time and nature of a sales presentation.
Consumers can file a complaint online [lnks.gd] or by calling the Consumer Protection tip line, 877-765-8388. Hours of operation are between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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