California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a consumer alert following the Governor’s declaration of a state of emergency in Mono County. The emergency was declared due to increased risk of debris flow caused by incoming rain and snow in areas impacted by the Pack Fire. The fire, which began on November 13 near Lake Crowley in the eastern Sierra Nevada, was fully contained on December 3 after destroying 30 structures and damaging six others.
Attorney General Bonta reminded residents that price gouging during a state of emergency is illegal under California law. He stated, “As incoming precipitation and snowfall threatens to increase the risk of debris flow from the Pack Fire, I urge Californians who reside in Mono County to listen to communication from officials and keep safe. 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.”
The law generally prohibits sellers from charging more than 10% above pre-emergency prices for goods and services such as food, medical supplies, building materials, gasoline, repair services, transportation, hotel accommodations, and rental housing. For items introduced after an emergency declaration, prices cannot exceed more than 50% above the seller’s cost. There are exceptions if costs for labor or materials have increased for businesses.
Violations of these laws are misdemeanors that can result in criminal prosecution with possible imprisonment or fines. Civil enforcement actions may also be taken by the Attorney General or local prosecutors.
For more information about current price gouging restrictions in effect due to state emergencies in California, residents can visit the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Price Gouging webpage.
