Are digital music services illegally fixing their prices? That's what New York's attorney general wants to know.

A spokesman for Eliot Spitzer said the office is seeking information on wholesale prices several major music labels charge for files that can be downloaded on the Internet.

Recording company executives have scoffed at the suggestion.

So far, the inquiry is preliminary. Spitzer's spokesman said it would take months to launch a full investigation, if one is warranted.

Apple Computer CEO Steve Jobs publicly criticized music companies in September, calling some major labels "greedy" for pushing Apple to hike prices on its popular iTunes service.

iTunes, the most popular legitimate download site, sells almost all songs for 99 cents each, with other pricing for albums.