California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a consumer alert following the Governor's declaration of a state of emergency due to the Mountain Fire in Ventura County. The fire has affected over 19,643 acres, leading to evacuations and posing threats to homes and infrastructure.
Attorney General Bonta emphasized that price gouging during such emergencies is illegal under Penal Code Section 396. He urged Californians who suspect they have been victims of price gouging to report it either locally or through the Attorney General's website at oag.ca.gov/report. A list of current price gouging restrictions is available online.
"California’s price gouging law protects people impacted by an emergency from illegal price gouging on housing, gas, food, and other essential supplies," stated Attorney General Bonta. "If you see price gouging — or if you've been the victim of it — I encourage you to immediately file a complaint with my office online at oag.ca.gov/report or contact your local police department or sheriff’s office."
The law generally prohibits charging more than 10% above pre-emergency prices for items already being sold. For new items introduced post-emergency declaration, prices cannot exceed the seller's cost by more than 50%. This applies to various goods and services including food, medical supplies, gasoline, and 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 reaching $2,500 per violation along with possible injunctive relief and restitution. Enforcement can be carried out by both the Attorney General and local district attorneys.