Consumers Impacted by Bridge Fire or Rancho Palos Verdes Landslides Should Report Suspected Price Gouging

On Sept. 10, 2024, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors declared a local emergency because of the Bridge Fire, which is currently burning in the Angeles National Forest in northeast Los Angeles County. This local emergency follows last week's State of California declared state of emergency in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes following ongoing land movement that has resulted in disrupted utility services and evacuation warnings for impacted residents.

The Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) advises business owners and operators of hotels, other lodging, and any businesses associated with any declared emergency in Los Angeles County that they must stay in compliance with state and Los Angeles County laws which protect consumers from price gouging. Price gouging during a state of emergency is also illegal under Penal Code Section 396.

In most circumstances, businesses may not increase the price of goods and services more than 10 percent for consumers impacted by an emergency. This prohibition also applies to hotel and motel rooms, rental housing, and short-term rentals.

If you believe you have been improperly overcharged for goods, services, or housing, keep your records and receipts, and file a price gouging complaint using DCBA's "Stop Price Gouging" online reporting tool. There, you can pinpoint the location of the incident and upload documents directly to DCBA's investigators for follow-up. You can also reach DCBA by phone at (800) 593-8222.

For the latest information about the Bridge Fire, including evacuation orders or warnings for nearby residents, please bookmark and visit lacounty.gov/emergency.

DCBA advises business owners and operators of housing and lodging accommodations to maintain detailed records of pricing before, during, and after the declared emergency. Failure to comply with the California Price Gouging Law (Penal Code 396) can result in fines up to $10,000 or one year in jail, or both.

DCBA staff is monitoring listed prices of goods and services in surrounding communities and will work with local prosecuting agencies to further investigate reports of alleged price gouging.

"We are committed to ensuring the safety of our residents and will not hesitate to take action against unscrupulous business owners attempting to break the law and take advantage of our community," said Rafael Carbajal, Director of DCBA. "We urge the public to report any instances of suspected price gouging."

Price gouging protections will remain in effect for 30 days after a declared emergency and can be renewed. Price-gouging protections for any contractor-related services are in effect for 180 days.

For more information about price gouging and other common consumer issues after a disaster, visit dcba.lacounty.gov/disasterready.

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