California officials, including Attorney General Rob Bonta and local leaders, convened in Los Angeles to address the ongoing wildfire crisis affecting Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. The meeting aimed to provide safety tips and support to residents as wildfires continue to cause destruction.
Attorney General Bonta emphasized the importance of unity during this challenging time, stating, "Californians are resilient. We are strong, especially when we stand united." He extended condolences to those who have lost loved ones and offered support from state and local officials.
The fires have resulted in evacuation orders and warnings due to damage to homes and infrastructure. In response, Attorney General Bonta reminded Californians that price gouging is illegal during a state of emergency under Penal Code Section 396. Residents suspecting price gouging can report it through local authorities or the Attorney General's website.
Bonta also cautioned against fraudsters exploiting the situation with scams. He advised verifying credentials of contractors and charities, being wary of upfront payments, confirming authenticity of government representatives, monitoring financial accounts for suspicious activity, and reporting fraud.
Residents were urged to be cautious about charitable solicitations related to the wildfire relief efforts. Tips included checking registration status of charities with the Attorney General’s Registry of Charities, giving only to trusted organizations, researching social network fundraisers or crowdfunding campaigns, questioning telemarketers before donating, watching out for deceptive tactics like similar-sounding names or URLs, understanding tax-exempt versus tax-deductible statuses, and protecting personal information.
For more guidance on donation safety and reporting fraudulent activities involving charities, Californians can visit the California Department of Justice’s donation tips webpage or file complaints using their charity complaint form online.