Lawmakers call for investigation into at-home COVID test price gouging
CBSN
Senators Ed Markey and Richard Blumenthal are calling on the Federal Trade Commission to launch an investigation into reports of price gouging surrounding over-the-counter at-home COVID-19 test kits.
In a letter sent to FTC Chair Lina Khan Wednesday morning, the senators say the surging demand for at-home tests due to the Omicron variant is creating conditions that are "unfortunately ideal for predatory and profiteering behavior, including the sale of fraudulent test kits or charging exorbitant prices for those that are available."
Last month, New York Attorney General Letita James issued a consumer alert over potential price gouging after receiving complaints of at-home tests being sold at double or triple their retail prices. Some were allegedly going for more than $40, and even up to $70, per package.
