Today the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors passed a motion authored by Supervisor Sheila Kuehl that extends price gouging protections for those impacted by the Woolsey Fire. The protection will continue for as long as the Board of Supervisors’ disaster declaration remains in effect. This move provides much-needed support for individuals affected by the Woolsey Fire as they continue to recover.
“I applaud the Board of Supervisors for continuing to stand up for our most vulnerable residents when they need help the most,” said Joseph M. Nicchitta, Director of the County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer and Business Affairs. “Every day our counselors at the Disaster Recovery Centers in Malibu and Agoura Hills talk to consumers who are concerned about price gouging. We will continue to make sure all concerns are heard and fully investigated.”
The Board’s action today means that L.A. County businesses cannot increase the price of vital and necessary goods and services (like food, lodging, and gasoline), more than 10 percent within 30 days of a declared emergency, including hotels and rental units, and within 180 days for any contractor-related services, such as repair and reconstruction services.
If you suspect price gouging, or if you’re a business owner unsure of what constitutes price gouging, call DCBA at (800) 593-8222 or file a report online at dcba.lacounty.gov. For more information about avoiding price gouging and how to avoid scams after a disaster, visit dcba.lacounty.gov/DisasterReady.
For all updates from the County of Los Angeles for those affected by the Woolsey Fire, visit https://www.lacounty.gov/lacountyrecovers/.
The County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) has served Los Angeles County since 1976. We serve consumers, businesses, and communities through education, advocacy, and complaint resolution. We work every day to educate consumers and small business owners about their rights and responsibilities, mediate disputes and investigate consumer fraud complaints. We enforce the minimum wage in unincorporated Los Angeles County. For more information, visit dcba.lacounty.gov.
