California officials warn against price gouging, looting and scamming amid Los Angeles wildfires

Source: CBS News

January 11, 2025 / 2:38 PM EST


California Attorney General Rob Bonta warned if people engage in price gauging, looting, and scamming amid the ongoing response to the wildfires ablaze in Los Angeles, they are breaking the law and they will be held accountable.

He warned victims of the fire at a press conference Saturday about bad actors who seek to use the trauma and the chaos created by the fires for their gain.

"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."

Prices should only be going up 10% or less from before the fire, Bonta said. "This is California law [and] it's in place to protect those suffering from a tragedy," he said.

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/california-officials-los-angeles-wildfires-warn-price-gouging-looting-scamming/