The New York Attorney General’s Office has halted a discriminatory practice at a Rockland County car wash that charged Jewish customers higher rates based on the claim that their vehicles were "dirtier."
An investigation found that Super 4 Seasons has for years exploited Jewish customers ahead of Passover, charging them up to three times more for identical cleaning services offered to other customers at significantly lower prices.
According to the probe, which began in April 2024 following multiple customer complaints, the business advertised an annual "Passover Special" for deep-cleaning services to help Jewish customers remove chametz (leavened products) from their vehicles before the holiday. However, instead of a fair offer, Jewish customers were charged $169 for a service that normally cost only $47.
The investigation revealed that Jewish customers seeking standard cleaning services ahead of Passover were denied the regular pricing and told that only "Passover Packages" were available at inflated rates. Meanwhile, non-Jewish customers continued receiving standard cleaning services at regular prices during the same period.
'It’s for you because your cars are so dirty'
The Attorney General’s Office conducted undercover visits, sending two investigators separately to the car wash. One, dressed in Hasidic attire, was quoted $169 for the cleaning service. Another, dressed in neutral clothing, received the same service for the standard $47 price.
When questioned about the price disparity, a car wash employee reportedly responded: “It’s for you because your cars are so dirty.”
Attorney General Letitia James’ office reviewed thousands of sales records, confirming that this discriminatory pricing practice had been in place since at least 2018. Between 2022 and 2024, the business sold more than 250 "Passover Packages", generating over $35,000 in revenue from inflated pricing alone. The scheme was concentrated in Spring Valley and the Monsey area, home to a large Orthodox Jewish population.
As a result of the findings, the Attorney General’s Office ordered Super 4 Seasons to immediately cease its discriminatory "Passover Specials" and prohibited the company from charging different prices based on a customer's religion. The business, which did not deny the allegations, has agreed to comply with the Attorney General’s directives. Any violation of these terms will result in a $75,000 fine.
"Targeting Jewish New Yorkers with deceptive pricing around Passover is a blatant act of religious discrimination, and it will not be tolerated," said James.
To prevent similar incidents, the Attorney General’s Office issued a consumer alert warning Jewish communities to be cautious of fraudulent pricing schemes during Passover shopping.
