Report people in Northamptonshire hiking prices during coronavirus crisis as they could be breaking the law

Anyone in Northamptonshire taking advantage of the coronavirus crisis and hiking prices could be breaking the law and witnesses are encouraged to report it.

As of Friday (March 20), the Trading Standards team at Northamptonshire County Council had not received any reports of price hikes in the county.

But it is acknowledged as a problem nationally, and with several cases reported to this newspaper, people with concerns are told to call Citizen’s Advice on 03454 04 05 06.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said in a statement: "The CMA will consider any evidence that companies may have broken competition or consumer protection law, for example by charging excessive prices or making misleading claims about the efficacy of protective equipment.

"And it will take direct enforcement action in appropriate cases."

Additionally, Trading Standards ask residents to be vigilant against new scams that may take place and follow the general scams advice – if it seems too good to be true, then it probably is.

For more information on Trading Standards, visit the Northamptonshire page here, call 0300 126 1000 or email [email protected]