California Attorney General Rob Bonta said that people who engage in price-gauging, looting, and scamming during the ongoing response to wildfires burning in Los Angeles are breaking the law, and will be held responsible.
At a press briefing on Saturday, he warned the victims about the bad actors that are trying to take advantage of the panic and chaos caused by the fires.
“We’ve seen businesses and landlords … jack up the price,” he said at a press conference Saturday. “It’s called price gouging. It is illegal. You cannot do it. It is a crime punishable by up to a year in jail and fines.”
Bonta stated that prices should not increase more than 10% from the price before the fire.
He said, “This California law is in place to protect those who are suffering from a tragic event.”
California’s Attorney General’s Office issued a consumer warning about price gauging in the first week of this month. Officials have reported price gauging in particular on the rental market.
Bonta said: “If you are aware of someone who has been the victim of price-gauging, please let us know.”
Bonta stated that he is working closely with Gov. Gavin Newsome and is tackling price gauging in particular.
Some of our hotels, and some of the landlords we work with, use algorithms that are based on supply and demand to determine their prices. Bonta stated that if these prices result in prices being 10% higher than they were before the emergency, it is against the law. If you’re a mom-and-pop and are not aware of the laws, now you know. “Ignorance is no excuse.”
Bonta addressed the scams as well, including those who pose as genuine aid providers and create fake organizations.
He called out specifically “The American Red Cross of California”, an organization that sounds legit but isn’t, he said.
Bonta, who listed below the scams you should be on the lookout for, said that scams can come in many different forms: text messages, phone calls and emails, as well as social media:
- Scam by contractors where they pressure victims into paying a deposit to secure their place
- Insurance adjusters
- Officials of the government or relief organizations
- Fire Restoration
The following are some ways you can protect yourself:
- Verify Credentials
- Check your licenses
- Do not pay upfront for any services.
- Verify authenticity via official channels
- Monitor your bank accounts/ report fraud
Bonta addressed the reports of looting at evacuated businesses and homes during his press conference:
“Looting is wrong. Looting is unlawful,” he said. “Don’t do it. It’s illegal. And it’s dangerous.”
Los Angeles officials have implemented curfews to prevent looting. Officials in California said that at least 20 people had been arrested.