Ahead of Halloween, New York state Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert Monday to remind businesses and online retailers that they are not permitted to sell realistic looking toy guns.

State law prohibits selling toy guns that are black, dark blue, silver or aluminum-colored and requires them to be made in bright colors or made entirely of transparent or translucent materials.

“Realistic-looking toy guns have led to tragedies in our communities, and that is why they are banned in New York,” said James said in a statement. “Toy guns sold in New York should look exactly like a toy – brightly colored or completely translucent – to avoid being mistaken for a real weapon that can cause serious harm. Retailers selling realistic-looking toy guns as part of a costume are not making Halloween fun, they are violating the law. I urge parents to stay vigilant of realistic-looking toy guns, and I ask all New Yorkers who see a retailer selling realistic-looking toy guns online or in stores to contact my office.”

Retailers that illegally sell realistic-looking toy guns can be fined up to $1,000 per violation.