Current:Home > Contact-usAs Passover nears, New York's AG warns Jewish customers about car wash price gouging-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
As Passover nears, New York's AG warns Jewish customers about car wash price gouging
View Date:2024-12-24 09:35:46
New York Attorney General Letitia James is warning New Yorkers to be wary of potentially discriminatory price gouging at car washes ahead of the Jewish holiday of Passover.
James' office said it has received reports of car wash businesses (largely in predominantly Orthodox Jewish communities in New York City) raising prices by as much as 50% for Jewish customers looking for cleaning services close to Passover.
"Taking advantage of someone's religious observances and practices is offensive, discriminatory, and absolutely unacceptable," James said in a press release on Monday. "For millions of observant Jews in New York and beyond, Passover is an important holiday, and their preparations should be respected, not manipulated for profit. I urge any New Yorker who is concerned that they have been a victim of discriminatory behavior because of their religion, race, or background to contact my office immediately."
Passover starts before sundown on April 5 and ends after nightfall on April 13 this year. As part of the holiday, Jews traditionally avoid eating foods made from leavened grain. Many also partake in cleaning their homes, cars, and other spaces of all "chametz," or leavened bread products, beforehand.
Attorney General James' office says some car wash businesses advertise specials for Passover cleaning only to charge Jewish customers more.
Last year this discriminatory price gouging was a major problem, said Gideon Taylor, the executive vice president and CEO of the nonprofit Jewish Community Relations Council of New York.
"We're hoping that this statement by the attorney general will make people think long and hard about gouging people who are trying to honor their history, honor their religion," Taylor said.
Both Taylor and New York State Assemblymember Simcha Eichenstein said the problem has mainly come up in Brooklyn around the weeks leading up to Passover.
NPR viewed photos of a Brooklyn car wash advertising $79.95 for its "VIP Detail." A Jewish customer who reported bringing in their car in for this service was charged $125 for a service described as "Passover" on their receipt, according to those photos. The services described were no different than the "VIP Detail."
Eichenstein, who represents neighborhoods in Brooklyn, issued a strongly worded video warning car washes against this practice. He called it "bias and discrimination" and said it was illegal to deliberately charge Jewish customers more for the same services.
Eichenstein told NPR he's spoken to the attorney general's office last year over this same issue and is encouraged by the steps taken by James' office again this year.
Local news reports indicate the problem has been around for years. An NBC New York story from 2011 reported price gouging at several car washes in Brooklyn ahead of Passover.
James said she's sent letters to organizations representing car wash owners in New York reminding their members that this kind of price gouging is illegal and should be reported.
James' office says if anyone is aware of businesses using discriminatory practices or believes that they were charged more for services because of their religion, race, or background, they are encouraged to file a complaint with OAG online or call 1-800-771-7755.
veryGood! (3)
Related
- Candidates line up for special elections to replace Virginia senators recently elected to US House
- Bella Hadid Returns to the Runway at Paris Fashion Week After 2-Year Break From Modeling
- T.I., Tiny win $71M in lawsuit with toy company over OMG Girlz dolls likeness: Reports
- Marley Brothers upholds father’s legacy with first tour in 2 decades
- Tua Tagovailoa tackle: Dolphins QB laughs off taking knee to head vs. Rams on 'MNF'
- Sean Diddy Combs and Bodyguard Accused of Rape in New Civil Court Filing
- Pac-12 might be resurrected, but former power conference is no longer as relevant
- Inmate who was beaten in back of patrol car in Arkansas has filed federal lawsuit
- The Daily Money: Mattel's 'Wicked' mistake
- NBA preseason schedule: Key dates as 2024-25 regular season rapidly approaches
Ranking
- McDonald's Version: New Bestie Bundle meals celebrate Swiftie friendship bracelets
- Home address of Detroit Lions head coach posted online following team’s playoff loss
- Michael Strahan reveals he's a grandfather after the birth of his first grandchild
- Lions coach Dan Campbell had to move after daughter's classmate posted family address
- Horoscopes Today, November 12, 2024
- Woman alleges Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs raped her on video in latest lawsuit
- Judge to approve auctions liquidating Alex Jones’ Infowars to help pay Sandy Hook families
- When does 'Grotesquerie' premiere? Date, time, where to watch new show featuring Travis Kelce
Recommendation
-
South Carolina does not set a date for the next execution after requests for a holiday pause
-
Chick-fil-A makes pimento cheese available as standalone side for a limited time
-
Haitian group in Springfield, Ohio, files citizen criminal charges against Trump and Vance
-
Best Free People Deals Under $50 -- Boho Chic Styles Starting at $14, Save Up to 69%
-
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has a long record of promoting anti-vaccine views
-
A's owner John Fisher's letter sparks inspired news anchor response
-
Marley Brothers upholds father’s legacy with first tour in 2 decades
-
Travis Barker Reacts to Leaked Photo of His and Kourtney Kardashian's Baby Rocky