NY Attorney General Warns of Car Wash Price Gouging Before Pesach

By FrumNews.com

In the days leading up to Pesach, Yidden from across New York State will clean their cars and vehicles to remove chametz. In previous years, there have been reports of car wash businesses predominantly near Frum neighborhoods in New York City and Rockland County raising their prices for Jewish customers only (price gouging), seeking cleaning services in the weeks before Pesach. 

New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a public service announcement and consumer alert urging New Yorkers to be careful of potential discriminatory pricing practices at car washes in the days leading up to Pesach and warning businesses that this practice is illegal. 

According to reports provided to the AG’s office, some companies have advertised “Passover Specials” for car washing services, but instead, they charged higher prices to Jewish customers for the same exact “service” that is on their year-round car wash list. Under New York law, it is illegal to discriminate against someone on the basis of religion. 

“New York has zero tolerance for antisemitism and discrimination of any kind,” said Attorney General James. “Pesach is an important holiday for millions of Jews in New York and beyond, and it is illegal and discriminatory to take advantage of a religious holiday to charge more for a service. We will not hesitate to take action against any business that engages in such offensive behavior, and I urge anyone who has been a victim of this discrimination to contact my office immediately.” 

Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein, who brought this important issue up to the AG after she took office in 2019, urged Boro Park constituents and all New Yorkers to be aware. Check the price and confirm with the attendant. Make sure that services provided for the “Passover Special” car washes, are priced comparably to the same similar services which are not officially Passover services.”

It is unacceptable and illegal for car wash operators to shamelessly overcharge their Jewish customers before Pesach: pic.twitter.com/cfF9i9iswV

— Simcha Eichenstein (@SEichenstein) March 19, 2023

Anyone who is aware of a car wash using discriminatory practices or believes that they were charged more for services because of their religion, race, or background can file a complaint online.

FrumNews.com would like to commend AG Tish James on taking appropriate, bold action to protect our community from discrimination ahead of Pesach.

There’s a reason why @TishJames is incredibly popular in New York’s Jewish community – she’s genuine and always shows up when you need her.

Great to have breakfast with the Attorney General @COJOFlatbush today. pic.twitter.com/BMMpBjmaxg

— David G. Greenfield (@NYCGreenfield) April 7, 2024