California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a consumer alert in response to Governor Newsom’s declaration of a state of emergency in Lake County following the Boyles Fire. The fire, now contained, affected the City of Clearlake, damaging or destroying over 30 structures.
Attorney General Bonta emphasized that price gouging during a state of emergency is illegal under Penal Code Section 396. He urged Californians who believe they have experienced price gouging to report it to local authorities or the Attorney General’s office at oag.ca.gov/report. A comprehensive list of current price gouging restrictions can be viewed online.
“As the community of Clearlake recovers from the Boyles Fire, I want to remind folks that California’s price gouging law protects people impacted by an emergency from illegal price gouging on housing, gas, food, and other essential supplies,” said Attorney General Bonta. “If you see price gouging, please file a complaint with my office online at oag.ca.gov/report or contact your local police department or sheriff’s office.”
California law prohibits charging more than 10% above pre-emergency prices for goods and services unless justified by increased costs for businesses. This applies to food, emergency supplies, medical supplies, building materials, gasoline, repair services, cleanup services, transportation services, hotel accommodations, and rental housing.
Violators face criminal prosecution with penalties including up to one year in county jail and fines up to $10,000. Civil enforcement actions may also be pursued with penalties up to $2,500 per violation along with injunctive relief and mandatory restitution. Both the Attorney General and local district attorneys have the authority to enforce these laws.