California Attorney General Xavier Becerra issued a price-gouging alert Monday after the recent declaration of a state of emergency in response to the novel coronavirus in California.
Price gouging is illegal in California during a declared state of emergency under state law, according to the Attorney General’s Office.
“Communities throughout our state are working to prevent and treat this public health threat,” said Becerra. “Californians shouldn’t have to worry about being cheated while dealing with the effects of coronavirus. Our state’s price gouging law protects people impacted by an emergency from illegal price gouging on medical supplies, food, gas and other essential supplies.”
Anyone that does experience or witness price gouging in their community is encouraged to file a complaint through the attorney general’s website, call (800) 952-5225 or contact their local Sheriff’s Department, according to Becerra’s statement.
Claims of price gouging in some Santa Clarita stores have begun to emerge on social media.
Santa Clarita resident Terrie Zornes Abdi claims she found the Rainbow Market in Canyon Country selling a six-pack of toilet paper for $17.99.
“I mention that there is a law against price gouging; the max increase is 10 percent,” said Abdi. “The worker laughed and asked if I wanted 24 rolls for $40.”
However, Rainbow Market Owner Moe Noor asserts that he has not raised prices and has even implemented rationing, limiting customers to one of any essentials such as water, paper towels and toilet paper.
“I work with good ethics, I’m an honest man. This is the time people should help each other and I’m very sorry to see what’s going on, but people have to realize you get what you pay for,” said Noor. “Those are triple-roll packs, so those nine rolls are equal to 24 rolls, and you’re getting it for $16 from a name brand like Charmin. I only bought five of those packs and I bought them from Ralphs because I wanted to have something for my customers. It took me two hours to get those rolls.”
California law generally prohibits charging a price that exceeds, by more than 10 percent, the price of an item before a state or local declaration of emergency. This law applies to those who sell food, emergency supplies, medical supplies, building materials and gasoline.
The full statement from Attorney General Becerra’s office is available here.
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Hording needs to be controlled so there is enough for everyone. Costco, Sam’s Club,
Vons, Ralphs, Stater Brothers, Food4Less, TJ’s all need to police this themselves.
I agree. HOARDING SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED. People that over bought toilet paper and other essentials to sell on eBay, Amazon and other sites for a selfish profit, should return these goods to the stores for their money back with their receipts. Hoarding only causes more chaos and hardships for the general public.
It should be reported if you see anyone advertising these goods for inflated prices on any website. These selfish people should be fined for causing shortages and hardships to others!
I am really appalled at the way people are acting! I realize they feel like their lives have been turned upside down because of this Coronavirus. But people let’s not fear be bigger than your faith. I should not have to live in fear because I believe in Christ Jesus and you should too. This to will pass, but while we wait for that to happen so some kindness to others.