Attorney General Rob Bonta held a news conference in Los Angeles on Saturday, Jan. 11 to warn against price gouging, looting and scammers who target wildfire victims.
“Unfortunately, we’ve seen before in emergencies like this, in addition to bringing out the best in so many, also bring out bad actors, who seek to use the trauma, the chaos, of moments like this for their own gains,” he said.
Bonta warned against price gouging for emergency supplies such as water, gas, batteries and first-aid as well as housing, hotels and short-term rentals. Business are prohibited by California law from raising prices of goods and services more than 10% during states of emergencies. For products not sold before the emergency, the price cannot exceed 50% of the cost. Offenders face up to a year in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
“We are talking about people who have lost loved ones, whose homes have been lost, who have lost treasured belongings, whose lives have been turned upside down,” Bonta said. “The last thing they need is for someone to victimize them again, exploit them, and take advantage of them.”
He also warned against various scams disguised as legitimate charities and non-profits falsely claiming to be collecting funds for victims, as well as schemes using similar-sounding names. He cited “the American Red Cross of California,” a now defunct non-profit shut down by the Department of Justice in 2019. People looking to donate can check for verified organizations on the Department of Justice website.
Scam artists also impersonate contractors, insurance adjusters, government officials and other authorities demanding fees and payments for various services. He urged people to be suspicious of requests for up-front payment and to thoroughly check credentials.
Bonta also addressed the reports of looting in fire-ravaged and evacuated areas. More than 20 people have been arrested on suspicion of looting, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said Saturday.
“To take advantage of the people who have been forced to evacuate … is unimaginable,” Bonta said. “It’s illegal, it’s also dangerous, and interferes with our first responders who are doing important work and can divert critical and limited resources.”
As more evacuation warnings and orders continue to be issued, Bonta urged people to be prepared ahead of time. When mandatory orders are put in place, people should leave immediately. In addition, Bonta said that immigrants, regardless of immigration status, are welcome in shelters.
“Nearly everything in your home is replaceable,” he said. “You are not. Your family is not.”