With Passover on the horizon, Attorney General Letitia James has called out car washes and other businesses for potential discriminatory pricing aimed at the Jewish community. As Jewish families seek to cleanse their homes and possessions of 'chametz' in accordance with tradition, James's office has issued a consumer alert today to bring attention to reports of price gouging, specifically targeting these customers.

“Taking advantage of someone’s religious observances and practices is offensive and unacceptable,” she stated, laying bare her office's stance on the matter. The warning isn't limited to auto hygiene either. The New York Attorney General's Office also lists essentials like eggs, Kosher meat, Matzah, cleaning services, and travel accommodations as areas to watch for unsavory price hikes, according to the press release.

James's office has made it clear that allegations of discriminatory pricing will be taken seriously, and those found guilty will be held accountable. In a proactive move, the Attorney General's Office has also set up a helpline for citizens to report suspected instances of price discrimination, signaling the proactive approach with which this issue is being addressed.

“As Passover approaches, I urge Jewish New Yorkers who feel that they may have been a victim of discriminatory price gouging to contact my office. My office has zero tolerance for any discrimination and anyone who engages in practices to unfairly raise prices on the Jewish community as they prepare for Passover will be held accountable. No New Yorker should be taken advantage of during a holiday season and forced to pay more for a service because of their religion,” James cautioned in a statement obtained by the Attorney General's Office. New Yorkers who suspect they have been victims of such practices can take action by filing a complaint online or reaching out to the provided hotline at 1-800-771-7755.