FAIRFIELD–Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a consumer alert Thursday to warn California residents about price increases during the winter storm.
“California is currently experiencing another heavy rain and potential flooding,” Bonta said in a statement.
“As the state endures road closures, power outages, and other potential impacts, it is important that Californians take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families. “It’s also important not to take advantage of price hikes,” Bonta added. Please report to your local government or my office at oag.ca.gov/report.”
Law generally prohibits charging more than 10% more than the price of the goods before the state or local emergency declaration. For goods that a business has started selling after the state of emergency is declared, the law generally prohibits charging a price more than 50% above the original price of the seller of the goods.
“This law applies to businesses that sell food, emergency supplies, medicines, building materials, and gasoline. It also applies to accommodations and rental housing,” the attorney general’s statement said.
There are exceptions to this prohibition, for example, when the cost of labor, goods, or materials increases due to business.
Criminal consequences may include one year in county jail and/or fines of up to $10,000, and violators may be subject to civil penalties of up to $2,500 per violation. I have.
See oag.ca.gov/consumers/ for more information on price increases.
