A recent Amazon class action lawsuit accuses the online retailer of charging excessive prices for basic goods such as toilet paper and hand sanitizer in the wake of the coronavirus.
Plaintiff Stephanie Armas, a Florida resident, says she took to Amazon in an attempt to stock up on supplies in the face of the spreading novel coronavirus, COVID-19.
As a mother of five, Armas says she wanted to purchase toilet paper and hand sanitizer for her family, but was charged “grossly unconscionable” prices for these goods.
Amazon allegedly charged Armas $99 for a 36-pack of toilet paper and $199 for a two-pack of 1 liter hand sanitizer bottles.
Did you pay high prices for toilet paper, hand sanitizer or other goods on Amazon? Get legal help by clicking here.
Armas argues these prices are far more what is usually charged, with toilet paper typically selling for around $1 a roll and hand sanitizer selling for between $7 and $8 per liter.
“COVID-19’s rapid spread and the very real threat of a widespread quarantine, have caused a run on various personal hygiene products, such as disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer and toilet paper,” the Amazon class action lawsuit notes.
“Unfortunately, retailers, such as [Amazon], are preying upon the public’s fear of a surging epidemic and using COVID-19 as an opportunity to pad profits by way of unlawful price increases.”
COVID-19 originated in Wuhan, China and has quickly grown to be a global pandemic due to its virulence. At the time of Armas’ complaint, the coronavirus had spread to 104 countries around the world – resulting in more than 109,000 confirmed cases and over 3,800 deaths. By Feb. 28, the CDC confirmed the virus reached the United States.
Armas argues that Amazon’s exorbitant prices are not only unreasonable but are also illegal under Florida law, considering the state of emergency.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis reportedly declared a state of emergency on March 9 in the face of the outbreak. The declaration aimed “to create a unified command structure […] and allows, if need be, out of state medical personnel to operate in Florida.”
Armas argues this state of emergency declaration also added protections from consumers based on Florida law. Under the state’s laws, retailers are not allowed to charge unconscionable prices for goods or services in the wake of a declared state of emergency.
The plaintiff says Amazon has violated these laws by charging unreasonable prices for hygienic products such as toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
Armas seeks to represent a Class of Florida consumers who purchased hygienic products from Amazon after a state of emergency was declared in Florida on March 9. On behalf of herself and the proposed Class, Armas seeks actual damages, statutory damages, court costs, and attorneys’ fees.
Plaintiff and the proposed Class are represented by J. Alfredo Armas, Francesco A. Zincone and Eduardo E. Bertran of Armas Bertran Pieri.
The Amazon Coronavirus Class Action Lawsuit is Armas v. Amazon.com Inc., Case No. 104631782, in the Eleventh Circuit Court in and for Miami-Dade County, Florida.
Join a Free Coronavirus Class Action Lawsuit Investigation
If you believe your rights were violated in a way that is directly related to the coronavirus pandemic, you may qualify to join this coronavirus class action lawsuit investigation.
ATTORNEY ADVERTISING
Top Class Actions is a Proud Member of the American Bar Association
LEGAL INFORMATION IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE
Top Class Actions Legal Statement
©2008 – 2024 Top Class Actions® LLC
Various Trademarks held by their respective owners
This website is not intended for viewing or usage by European Union citizens.
493 thoughts onAmazon Class Action Alleges Coronavirus Price Gouging
add me
I live in the state of Missouri and got on amazon and they were going to charge me $59 for four rolls of angel soft tp. I am also a mother of four and decided we would do what they did back in the day and use old rags and towels because I couldn’t afford the 59 for tp. Sad the world has came to this!!!
Please add me. I purchased 48 rolls of 7th Generation brand TP. Ordered 2 packs of 24 rolls and it was $60 plus tax plus shipping. Ridiculous to pay $85 for this which should have been roughly $20-25 in the store.
Please add me a senior citizen whom has not been able to get any toilet tissue or paper towels or anything else since Coronavirus was announced. Barely any house goods. Have medical conditions and decreased activity.
Please add me.
add me
I went on line also to purchase tissue and hand sanitizer after going to 4 stores and not finding any. However the prices were so ridiculous (too high) on Amazon as well as ebay, so I was unable to purchase any. I was able to get a 6pk paper towel and tissue and a few travel sanitizers from my brother in law. Thank God for family.
I’m outraged as there is none to be found. We went online to order from Amazon and can’t afford the prices they are charging. We still need products but can’t get them due to their greed.
Yes, I did see the outrageous prices on toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and all products relating to the C19 scare. Even rubbing alcohol. In my lifetime never have I seen such prices for basic human needs ! Amazing just how greedy people can become ! They are a disgrace to this country !
$8 to 10 for TP please add me