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.
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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.
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493 thoughts onAmazon Class Action Alleges Coronavirus Price Gouging
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Please add me I paid $24 for a 8oz bottle of alcohol, I tried buying mask but they were selling them for $15.00 but the shipping was $79.00, I cut up one of my victoria secret bra and made two mask, one for me and one for my husband. add me as well, that bra was very expensive.
I bought 10 rolls of toilet paper from China for 22.99. That is cray but was desperate. I also bought 10 oz of hand sanitizer (which is also coming from China) for 11.99, it should be about $2.00 at most. I bought 5 of these to help my family and am not ever sure if it is from a flight by night company (as the entire product page is gone) or not. I question if it is authentic and actually has at least 60% alcohol in it.
Amazon is not selling their products at markups but are allowing third party sellers sell at tremendous markup’s because of our fears. They should never allow this, especially on shipments from overseas that are no longer being advertised and can never be returned.
I questioned another product that was selling for $26.95, and sent them an email; their repose was lame. I ended up buying from another website for $4.15. It is Lysol Concentrate Disinfectant. I will not mention the company name that was charging $26.95 as it may not be proper and I want to be sure this comment is posted.
I just bought toilet paper from Amazon. For 6 rolls it was 26.00 dollars. I had to pay it since I could not find toilet paper at my stores and I was in need of it.
Add Me. Just bought diapers.
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On Feb 25, 2020 I ordered Dr. Mercola Liposomal Vitamin C 1,000mg per Serving – 180 Capsules for $57.50. Yesterday I went to reorder the same item and price was increased to over $79 from “NaturalGreats” seller less than one month later, obviously due to COVID19. A $21.50 price increase on a $57 item! Terrible! How can these people sleep at night???
If I can get in on this, please add me.
Would you please add me to your class action.