Attorney General Issues Alert On Price Gouging In Rancho Palos Verdes

PALOS VERDES, CA — Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a consumer alert warning Rancho Palos Residents about price gouging during a state of emergency.

In the wake of utility shut-offs and evacuations in the landslide area, Attorney General Bonta reminded the community that price gouging during a state of emergency is illegal under Penal Code 396.

“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— 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.”

California law prohibits charging a price that exceeds more than 10 percent of the price a seller charged before the state of emergency. The law applies to those who sell food, emergency supplies, medical supplies, building materials and gasoline.

The law also applies to:

• repair and reconstruction services
• emergency cleanup services
• transportation
• freight and storage services
• hotel accommodations and rental housing

Those found price gouging face criminal prosecution that could result in a one-year sentence in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.