Buckner Condemns Price Gouging, Scams During COVID-19 Pandemic

CHICAGO – After recent reports of businesses across the state charging outrageous prices for basic supplies, state Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, is alerting residents to be extra cautious of scams and price gouging amidst the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

“It is beyond wrong for businesses to prey on these times of uncertainty by driving up prices on necessary supplies for no other reason than to drive a profit off the backs of our community,” Buckner said. “Bad businesses must be held accountable for taking exploitative actions like this while people are wondering when their next paycheck is coming.”

Buckner is speaking out after reports of price gouging on necessary supplies like toilet paper, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes. Gov. Pritzker issued an executive order last week that prohibits price gouging and Attorney General Raoul’s office has begun to investigate allegations of bad behavior. Residents can report possible cases of price gouging and fraud related to COVID-19 at www.IllinoisAttorneyGeneral.gov.

“Now is the time for coming together to be compassionate for the whole of our community,” Buckner said. “I implore any person who feels they have been a victim of this predatory business practice to report it.”

For more information and timely updates regarding the state of COVID-19 in Illinois, please visit: coronavirus.illinois.gov