The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office said it shut down price gouging efforts for masks at Vogt’s True Value Hardware in Pittsburgh.
Complaints sent to the attorney general alleged that the store was selling face masks at unlawful prices.
Under the Price Gouging Act, it is considered price gouging to increase a price by more than 20% during a declared state of emergency. Officials did not specify the amount Vogt is accused of selling masks for.
The Office of Attorney General and Shawn Vogt, owner of Vogt’s True Value Hardware on East Carson Street in the South Side, entered into an agreement. Vogt is required to pay restitution of up to $1,012.80 for consumers who bought face masks. He also agreed to fully comply with all provisions of the Pennsylvania Consumer Protection Law and Price Gouging Act the Attorney General’s Office said.
“We won’t tolerate illegal price gouging during this emergency, and we’re taking action every day to stop it — here in Pittsburgh and across Pennsylvania. Pennsylvanians need security and financial protection right now, especially when so many have lost wages and millions are out of work,” Attorney General Josh Shapiro said. “You have a right in Pennsylvania to purchase lifesaving goods at reasonable prices in times like these.”
Vogt did not return a phone call Thursday afternoon.
Customers who bought face masks at Vogt’s True Value Hardware may be eligible for restitution. To be considered for restitution, customers need to submit a consumer complaint form and attach a receipt showing they bought a face mask on April 22 or April 23. The forms must be submitted by Sept. 6.
Shapiro urged anyone who sees “suspicious price increases on products like groceries and medicine” to email pricegouging@attorneygeneral.gov and fill out a consumer complaint form.
