Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a consumer alert in response to the Governor's declaration of a state of emergency following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Northern California. The affected areas include Del Norte, Humboldt, and Mendocino counties. The alert serves as a reminder that price gouging during such emergencies is illegal under Penal Code Section 396.

Attorney General Bonta emphasized the importance of protecting consumers from unfair pricing on essential goods and services during emergencies. "California’s price gouging law protects people impacted by an emergency from illegal price gouging on housing, gas, food, and other essential supplies," he stated. He encouraged those who witness or experience price gouging to report it online at oag.ca.gov/report or contact local authorities.

The law prohibits sellers from increasing prices by more than 10% compared to pre-emergency levels for items they were already selling. For new items introduced after the emergency declaration, prices cannot exceed the seller's cost by more than 50%. This regulation covers various sectors including food, medical supplies, building materials, gasoline, and several services like repair and transportation.

Violators face serious consequences including criminal prosecution with penalties up to one year in county jail or fines reaching $10,000. Civil actions can also be pursued with penalties up to $2,500 per violation along with injunctive relief and mandatory restitution. Enforcement is carried out by the Attorney General alongside local district attorneys.