CA AG Bonta issues warning against illegal price gouging after emergency declaration in Kern

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a warning about illegal price gouging after Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Kern County due to the Borel Fire.

According to the Office of the Attorney General, illegal price gouging during a state of emergency is illegal under Penal Code Section 396. The law prohibits merchants from selling items at prices that are 10% more than the price of the same item before a state of emergency is declared.

Criminal prosecution can result in one-year imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000.

If you believe you have been a victim of illegal price gouging in Kern County, you can report it to the Kern County District Attorney’s Office by calling 661-868-2340, or to the Attorney General by clicking here .

For more information on illegal price gouging, click here .

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