The class-action suit was filed in Bergen County Friday
LEONIA -- A borough couple filed a class-action lawsuit against Costco, claiming the wholesale shopping club may have overcharged tens of thousands of New Jersey customers for bathroom tissue, CNBC reported Friday.
Jacqueline Taulfield and Robert Arnold say they were charged sales tax on toilet paper they purchased at the Wayne Costco July 26, 2015. The couple claims they were taxed again when they purchased some rolls of Charmin at the Hackensack store less than a week later.
New Jersey has a seven percent sales tax but toilet paper for household use is exempt.
Costco in Hunterdon coming soon
The couple says they were rebuffed when they complained to Costco's management and asked for a rebate, prompting them to file suit in Bergen County Superior Court Friday alleging violation of the state Consumer Fraud Act, breach of contract and other violations.
The company declined to comment.
While the cost to the couple amounts to less than $1.50 for each purchase, cumulatively, the damages could be in the millions, said the couple's lawyer, Rosemarie Arnold, who is no relation to Robert.
With Costco's 19 locations in New Jersey, the number of affected consumers could be more than 100,000, the suit states.
Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@PaulMilo2. Find NJ.com on Facebook.