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
We did not stock up on toilet paper or diapers or wipes or sanitizer and so I figured we would look on amazon and oh not happening those prices are insane
Google ways to make substitutes for the things that you are looking for on amazon! Actually check out Craigslist in your area to see where you can get cloth diapers. They take some work to maintain, but they are reusable!
Going supermarket also 4 roll of triple rolls $8.94.
I have tried to stock up on a few essential items
..most stores are out of stock on everything, so I tried online..
Amazon and other online retailers are really trying to take advantage of people!! $99 for toilet paper on Amazon…and twice that on Ebay
We need these basic things and what’s a person to do??
I also got charged an astrological price for toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
Just use soap and water; I do and my hands are thanking me for that!
I tried to order items such as toilet paper & hand sanitizer. I didn’t purchase because I wasn’t paying that much. I live in Hanover IN. CVS started selling toliet paper for $1.39 per single ply roll generic. Our grocery store sold Charmin 4 pack single roll for $11.00.
Please add me they quoted me an outrageous price for 12 rolls like 38 dollars with shipping
Please add me.
I was ordering hand sanitizer for $15 but the shipping was $74.
Say What? That is five times the price you paid! Cancel the order at once and use basic soap and water!
hello, amazon prices is ridiculous. im just go wait to the prices go back normal. I would be to ashame to ask people to pay those pricess, shame on you amazon!!!
You can always ask your Attorney General to take Amazon to Court for you! I would like to see them flop belly up on the New York Stock Exchange.
Please add me! To do this to people during a pandemic is just not right!! I couldn’t find t-p in my area as people are buying it all up so they can price gouge you selling it on amazon and e-bay! A 12 pack of tp online went for 245 bucks on e-bay!!! Whats a person like me to do? I need to wipe! Not right to do this at all!!
Robert Jarman
1313 S. Gold St.
Centralia was. 98531
I went to Amazon to purchase toilet paper and found that prices ranged from $99 to $199 for toilet paper and hand sanitizer. I am appalled by the price gouging that Amazon has allowed in these tough times.
Please add me to this claim.