To Whom Do You Report Gas Price Gouging in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, is a crime, and the term "price gouging" no longer applies to only gasoline and petroleum products.
Here are a few telltale signs that may indicate a business is involved in price gouging:
A significant increase in the prices of essential goods | While businesses can increase their prices for necessities during an emergency, it is against the law to raise the prices excessively to take advantage of the situation. |
A vast difference in prices between two similar products | When you compare two similar products, significant increases in prices may indicate price gouging. For example, if one hand sanitizer is double the price of others similar, the merchant may be violating price gouging laws in the State. |
DoNotPay is the world's first AI Consumer Champion, and it's the fastest way to report a price-gouging retailer in MA. If you're wondering, "Who do I report gas price gouging in Massachusetts to?" you're in the right spot.
This article explores:
- How to using the DoNotPay App
- How to report MA price gouging by yourself
- What defines price gouging, compared to high prices
- Other services DoNotPay can handle for you
Remember, you can report all kinds of price gouging issues using DoNotPay. Massachusetts gas stations and drug stores are common offenders. But big-box retailers like Walmart and online retailers like eBay and Amazon are often reported, too. The retailer doesn't need to be located in MA for you to file a complaint using DoNotPay.
If you've been the victim of price gouging in Massachusetts, you want to report it immediately. Let's see how it's done.
How to Report Price Gouging in Massachusetts With DoNotPay
To report MA price gouging, DoNotPay is the fastest, easiest way. Just follow five easy steps:
- Open the Price Gouging Protection product on DoNotPay.
- Generate a fake credit card to use with the merchant.
- Complete the transaction with the fake credit card.
- Save a photo of the transaction as evidence and start the demand letter process.
- Answer a few questions through our chatbot about the merchant and transaction.
You're done. See how fast that was? DoNotPay will report the on your behalf and keep a record of it. Later, if you take part in a class-action lawsuit, you'll have paperwork at your fingertips.
Of course, there are other ways to report price gouging in Massachusetts. You'll need to jump through some hoops and keep track of all the paperwork. Let's check it out.
How to Report Price Gouging in MA by Yourself
There are two ways to report MA price gouging directly: online and by mail. Think of them as different routes to the same end, as all price gouging complaints end up with the Attorney General's Office (AGO).
File MA Price Gouging Reports Online
To file a report online:
- Visit the MA AGO online complaint form
- Click the button that best describes your complaint (healthcare, gas gouging, phone scams, etc.)
- Describe the offending organization (you'll need their address and store number if applicable)
- Describe what happened in your own words
- Fill in your personal information
- Describe the outcome you'd like, such as a refund
- Submit your form
Now, you wait. According to the MA AGO, it might take months before they look into your complaint.
You could also report MA price gouging by printing that same form and mailing it.
How to Report Massachusetts Price Gouging by Snail Mail
The form is identical to the online complaint.
- Print this form
- Fill it out (using an ink pen, not a pencil)
- Make a copy of the completed form to keep for your records
- Be sure to sign it and date it
- Put it in an envelope with a stamp
- Pop it in the mail
Address it like this:
Attn: Consumer Complaints
Office of the Attorney General
Consumer Advocacy and Response Division
1 Ashburton Place
Boston, MA 02108 -1518
Again, you'll put this form in the mail, and maybe you'll hear back from the AGO within six months or a year. Or maybe not. The DoNotPay App is the faster, easier way to file a price-gouging complaint in MA. And you won't need to keep track of any paperwork for the next month. DoNotPay will do that for you.
" Can I Report Massachusetts Price Gouging on the Telephone?"
Unfortunately, no. At the time of writing (2021), the MA AGO does not take consumer complaints about price gouging over the phone.
Massachusetts Price Gouging in Recent History
Price gouging can occur on products other than gasoline, food, and medication. That's a new law.
In 2020 -- thanks to unethical pricing practices occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic -- Attorney General Maura Healey took a strong position against price gouging.
- The new laws (940 CMR 3.18) prohibit a business from selling goods or services necessary for the public's safety, health, or welfare for an unconscionably high price during a statewide emergency or a national one.
- Before 2020, price gouging laws only applied to gasoline and other petroleum products in MA.
That means MA retailers cannot gouge you for medications, gas, groceries, or water. If they do, you can report it with the DoNotPay App.
But that's not the only legwork DoNotPay can manage on your behalf.
What Else Can DoNotPay Accomplish?
You can use the DoNotPay App for all kinds of paperwork. Any time a business is mistreating you, try the app. You can report price gouging, apply for pet licenses, cancel timeshares, and opt-out of all that junk mail. And that's only the beginning. Try it today.