Amazon and eBay slammed for failing to tackle coronavirus profiteering

Amazon Marketplace and eBay are not cracking down on unscrupulous third-party sellers attempting to profit from the coronavirus epidemic, according to the consumer group Which?

Earlier this month, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) warned that traders should not take advantage of people through price gouging, and threatened strong action if the problem persisted.

However, an investigation by Which? found consistent overpricing of in demand household items, including cleaning products, thermometers, baby formula and tampons.

There were hundreds of active listings and auctions, including a £40 thermometer priced at £300 on eBay and £150 on Amazon. A £3 bottle of disinfectant was on sale for £29.99 on eBay – a markup of up to 1,000% – and was more than three times the recommended price on Amazon.

Meanwhile, on eBay’s auction site, a flurry of bids sent the price for a bundle of three bottles of Dettol spray and three packets of antibacterial wipes soaring to £210. The research also demonstrated a failure of ‘filters’ and other checks put in place to adequately protect consumers, despite both companies having stated publicly that they have taken action on the issue.

“Online marketplaces have taken some action against coronavirus price gouging, but our investigation shows unscrupulous sellers are still cashing in on people’s fears,” says Sue Davies, Head of Consumer Protection at Which?

“These companies must make good on their pledges to stamp out coronavirus profiteering, and if they fall short the CMA must be ready to take strong enforcement action. The government should consider how it will work with the retail sector as a whole to keep the price of essential items reasonable as the fallout from the coronavirus outbreak continues.”

Amazon and eBay did not respond to our request for comment.