DES MOINES, Iowa - The state has brought its first price gouging lawsuit during the COVID-10/coronavirus pandemic.
It involves an Orange City man accused of selling items on E-Bay at highly inflated costs. It asks a judge to block Michael Evan Noteboom of Orange City from selling household merchandise on any platform. It also seeks civil penalties.
The suit alleges Noteboom of selling a 12-ounce can of Lysol on eBay for $65.99, Angel Soft toilet paper (12 count) for $86, and Bounty paper towels (6 count) for $49.99.
The seller was sent a written warning about price gouging on March 24.
Businesses or individuals found in violation of Iowa’s price-gouging rule could face civil penalties of up to $40,000 under the Iowa Consumer Fraud Act.
“Our office has warned the defendant repeatedly to stop his activity,” Miller said. “Through news reports, public-service announcements and other notices, our office has informed sellers and the public that we will not hesitate to protect consumers from price gouging.”