Phone app targets price gougers

We all know the shelves of paper products are bare and the hottest news on the block is when Publix restocks chicken breasts and toilet paper. 

And while it may seem as if coveted, in-demand are worth more than once were, a Florida law banning price-gouging ensures that such essential items don’t become priceless in times of need. 

When Governor Ron DeSantis on March 9 declared a COVID-19 state of emergency in Florida, he defined “essential commodities” whose prices could not be jacked up in this time of crisis.

Items covered by Florida’s price- gouging law include:

  • Protective masks used to protect you from others if you are sick.
  • Sanitizing and disinfecting supplies, such as hand sanitizer, gel, wipes, cleaning supplies for surface cleaning, and all commercial cleaning supplies.
  • All personal protective equipment (PPE), including gowns, booties, gloves and other protective gear.

In the Florida Keys, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents about a phone app designed to help Floridians quickly and effectively report price gouging on essential commodities during this state of emergency.  

The app, called NO SCAM, is a tool for people to upload pictures, receipts and more information in real-time when price gouging is suspected. It is available to download for free on both Apple iOS and Google Android devices and was developed by Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody.

The app aids investigators so they can quickly evaluate any alleged illegal activity, stop further price gouging, and successfully pursue bad actors.