On March 11, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a state of emergency proclamation with price-gouging protections in effect through Sept. 4. Yolo County District Attorney Jeff W. Reisig announced that his office will diligently investigate and prosecute cases of price-gouging for as long as Yolo County is under a state of emergency for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Reisig also encouraged Yolo County residents to report any instances of price gouging when shopping for consumer goods or medical supplies.
California’s anti-price gouging statute, Penal Code Section 396, prohibits raising the price of many consumer goods and services by more than 10 percent after an emergency has been declared.
This law applies to any person or business selling goods or services including consumer goods, food and drink items, emergency supplies, medical supplies, storage facilities, emergency cleanup materials and transportation.
Violations of the price-gouging statute are subject to criminal prosecution that can result in one-year imprisonment in county jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Violators are also subject to civil enforcement actions including civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation, injunctive relief and mandatory restitution.
“Local businesses have traditionally been community partners during crises, but anyone that profiteers during a state of emergency will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” Reisig said. “County residents must have access to necessary supplies, especially when community health is at stake.”
The District Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting consumers during this emergency. Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of price gouging, or who has information regarding potential price gouging, is encouraged to immediately file a complaint with the District Attorney’s Office by completing a consumer complaint form (queja del consumidor) at www.yoloda.org, or by calling 530-666-8180.
For more information about price gouging, visit the California Attorney General’s website: https://www.oag.ca.gov/consumers/pricegougingduringdisasters.
