Consumer alert on price gouging in California issued in wake of storm

LOS ANGELES – California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a consumer alert following the storm that continues to batter California and a declaration of a state of emergency in several counties.

Bonta reminded Californians that price gouging during a state of emergency is illegal under Penal Code Section 396.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta issues a consumer alert on price gouging following the declaration of a state of emergency in several counties in California. FILE PHOTO

The state of emergency proclamation covers Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.

Bonta also urged California residents to stay alert to guidance from state and local officials, especially when traveling.

“Our State’s price gouging law protects people impacted by an emergency from illegal price gouging on housing, gas, food and other essential supplies,” the Filipino American attorney general said.

Bonta encouraged victims of price gouging to report the case to his office online or to contact their local police department or sheriff’s office.

California law prohibits sellers from increasing prices by over 10 percent during a state of emergency.

This law applies to those who sell food, emergency supplies, medical supplies, building materials and gasoline.

The law also applies to repair or reconstruction services, emergency cleanup services, transportation, freight and storage services, hotel accommodations and rental housing.

Violators are subject to criminal prosecution that can result in a one-year imprisonment in county jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000.