CONSUMER ALERT: NY AG James Warns Jewish New Yorkers to be Cautious of Car Washes that Overcharge Before Pesach

By Yehudit Garmaise

While some Orthodox Jews in New York City have previously wondered why the “special prices” they were offered for car washes in the weeks before Pesach seemed unusually high, today NY Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert to warn customers to steer clear of businesses that raise prices by as much as 50% this time of year.

James issued her alert after Assemblymember Simcha Eichenstein reported car wash businesses that advertised for Pesach car washing services as “specials” that, in reality, charged higher prices to Jewish customers.

“The Passover season is expensive enough and unfortunately many local families struggle to make ends meet at this time of year,” said Assemblymember Simcha Eichenstein. “Shameless overcharging before the holiday is clearly religious discrimination and totally unacceptable in this industry or any industry.”

“Scammers try new methods to trick you all the time, even during religious holidays,” said Assemblymember Nily Rozic. “As the Jewish community prepares for Passover, it's crucial consumers are mindful to look out for opportunistic price gouging.

James also sent letters to two organizations that represent car wash owners in New York to remind their members that any pricing that is artificially inflated for any particular group is considered discrimination, is illegal, and should be reported to the Office of the Attorney General.

“It’s shameful that we even have to warn Jewish communities about the possibility that companies would take advantage of them during the holidays,” said Attorney General James. “If we learn of any businesses engaging in such disgusting and anti-Semitic practices, we will not hesitate to take swift and serious legal action.”