Here in California, during a state of emergency such as the ongoing wildfires in Southern California, it’s a crime to jack up the prices of essential goods and services by more than 10% of their original price. That includes rentals, short-term housing, hotels, construction materials and repairs, water, batteries, and first aid supplies.
Sadly, bad actors still try to get away with this kind of illegal price gouging to profit off of other people’s pain — but Rob is doing something about it.
As California’s Chief Law Enforcement Officer, Rob will hold any businesses or landlords who try to make a quick buck off our vulnerable neighbors accountable. Price gouging during emergencies like this is not only unconscionable, but it's punishable by up to a year in jail and up to $10,000 in fines.
Today, Rob held a press conference to announce that his office has opened multiple active investigations into price gouging, and formed a Disaster Relief Task Force to prioritize investigating and prosecuting price gouging and other crimes targeting disaster victims.
To hold bad actors accountable, Rob and other officials need to know when, where, and who this is happening to, which is where you come in.
If you or anyone you know sees price gouging during this state of emergency, please report it to Rob’s office at the Department of Justice at oag.ca.gov/LAfires or by calling the hotline at (800) 952-5225.
Rest assured that as our Attorney General, Rob is here to ensure nobody is taken advantage of in the aftermath of this natural disaster as we work to rebuild.
— Team Bonta
