RivCo Price Gouging Hotline Now Active: District Attorney Investiators

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA —The Riverside County District Attorney's Bureau of Investigation has launched a local hotline for reporting suspected price gouging during the state of emergency declared in the aftermath of the greater Los Angeles area fires, including the Palisades, Eaton and Hurst fires.

The office stated that during a state of emergency, prices on "essential goods or services" may not be raised more than 10% as a form of consumer protection.

"Price gouging is illegal and happens when an unscrupulous person or business tries to take advantage of consumers by raising prices more than 10 percent for essential goods or services during a declared state of emergency," the DA's office wrote.

Watch for exorbitantly raised prices on food, water, pet food, flashlights, medicine, sanitary products, toiletries, diapers, medical supplies, emergency supplies, and lodging, among other items, they said.

"Those who price gouge are subject to criminal prosecution that can result in a sentence of up to a year in county jail and/or fines up to $10,000," the DA's office wrote. "There also can be civil penalties including a fine of $5,000 per violation, restitution to the victim or victims, and a court order to stop."

Residents can make a report at 888-814-8450 or fill out a form online at www.oag.ca.gov.