California Attorney General Rob Bonta warned that if people engage in price gouging, looting and scamming amid the ongoing response to wildfires in Los Angeles, they are breaking the law and will be held accountable.
He warned victims of the fire at a press conference on Saturday about bad people who want to use the trauma and chaos caused by the fire to their advantage.
“We have seen businesses and landlords raising prices,” he said at a news conference Saturday. “It's called price gouging. It's illegal. You can't do that. It's a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine.”
Bonta said prices should rise only 10% or less before they catch fire.
“It's California law [and] This is to protect the victims of the tragedy,” he said.
Frederick J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images
The California Attorney General's Office issued a consumer alert about price gouging earlier in the week. Officials said they have seen prices rising, especially in the rental market.
“If you know someone who has been a victim of price gouging, please report it,” Bonta said.
Bonta said he is working with Governor Gavin Newsom to specifically address pricing.
“Some of our hotels and some of our landlords use algorithms based on demand and supply to set their prices,” Bonta said. “If those prices cause prices to be 10% higher than they were before the emergency,” Bonta said. It's against the law.” “If you're a mom and pop and you're not aware of these laws, now you're aware. Ignorance is no excuse.”
Bonta also addressed scams, including people creating fake organizations posing as legitimate aid providers, particularly those targeting the elderly and immigrant populations.
He specifically called out “The American Red Cross of California,” an organization that sounds legitimate but is not legitimate, he said.
Bonta said scams come in many forms, including texts, phone calls, emails and social media and listed scams to watch out for below:
- Contractor scam where bad actors pressure victims to reduce deposit fees in order to keep their position
- insurance adjuster
- a government official or relief organization
- fire restoration
He suggested the following measures for his safety:
- verify credentials
- check license
- Be suspicious of demands for advance payment
- Verify authenticity through official channels
- Monitor your bank accounts/report fraud
During the press conference, Bonta also addressed reports of looting at evacuated homes and businesses.
“Looting is wrong. Looting is illegal,” he said. “Don't do that. It's illegal. And it's dangerous.”
Los Angeles city officials have imposed a curfew to prevent looting attempts. California authorities have said at least 20 people have been arrested.