February 18, 2025 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

Officials Warn of Scams and Price Gouging Amid Los Angeles Wildfires

Leaders Share Price Gouging Reporting and Scam Safety Tips 

California Attorney General Rob Bonta joined local leaders in Los Angeles on Tuesday to meet with families, first responders, and law enforcement impacted by the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Alongside Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, Sheriff Robert Luna, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, Senator Sasha Renee Perez, and Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo, Bonta addressed concerns about fraud, price gouging, and scams during the emergency.

The City has launched a new, simple intake system to report price gouging – call 311 to report illegally hiked rents and prices, but Los Angeles Supervisor Lindsay Horvath announced another number that is available for Angelenos to call for help after stating that this prohibition against price gouging of any kind goes for individuals and corporations. She said that residents can call 800-593-8222 to report any incidents of price gouging and that authorities want to hold them accountable. 

There have been multiple reports of landlords doubling and tripling rents of vacant properties for desperate families trying to find housing. Price gouging can also include essential consumer goods like food, water, clothing, and other services like health care, and veterinary care. 

City Attorney Hydee Feldstein-Soto has formed a task force to investigate price gouging in her office’s public rights branch dedicated to civil enforcement. The city is working on an overall dedicated intake system for reporting but is already responding to residents who have reported violations. She said that her office would hold anyone and everyone accountable.

The City Attorney said that reports to her office’s task force can be made via email at  att.pricegougingtask@lacity.org or by calling the dedicated line to report such crimes:  213-679.5035. 

“The resilience of Californians is undeniable,” Bonta said. “In the face of devastating natural disasters, we unite, support one another, and rebuild. For those who’ve suffered losses, my heart is with you. Rest assured, state and local officials, as well as my team, are here to provide support and protection.”

Governor Gavin Newsom’s state of emergency declaration on Jan. 7 activated protections against price gouging. Businesses are prohibited from raising prices on essential goods and services, such as lodging, food, and fuel, by more than 10%. Residents experiencing price gouging can report it to local authorities or the Att

Bonta urged residents to remain cautious of fraudulent activity, especially as communities rally to help wildfire victims. “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” he said, offering tips to avoid scams:

  • Verify Credentials: Check licenses and reviews for contractors, adjusters, and charities.
  • Be Skeptical of Upfront Payments: Avoid paying large sums before services are completed.
  • Confirm Authenticity: Use official channels to verify government representatives or relief efforts.
  • Monitor Financial Accounts: Regularly check accounts for suspicious activity.
  • Report Fraud: Contact law enforcement or report scams at oag.ca.gov/report.

With many charities and crowdfunding campaigns emerging to assist fire victims, Bonta advised residents to carefully research organizations before donating.

  • Check Registration: Charities operating in California must register with the Attorney General’s Registry of Charities.
  • Trust Established Organizations: Verify how funds are allocated to ensure your donation supports the intended cause.
  • Be Wary of Social Media Campaigns: Investigate crowdfunding pages to confirm their legitimacy and fee structures.
  • Avoid Pressure Tactics: Legitimate charities won’t rush or threaten potential donors.
  • Verify Tax-Exempt Status: Ensure donations are tax-deductible by confirming the charity’s status through the IRS.

For more tips and resources, visit the DOJ’s donation tips webpage at oag.ca.gov/donations.

Related Posts

Culver City Police Seek Suspect in Weekend Battery Incident

February 18, 2025

February 18, 2025

Man Accused of Assaulting a Victim is Still at Large Authorities are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a...

Metro LA to Begin Ticketing Bus Lane Violators with Camera Enforcement

February 17, 2025

February 17, 2025

Motorists Parked in Bus Lanes Will Face $293 Fines For Each Infraction Drivers who park in bus lanes will soon...

The Department of Public Health to Hold Virtual Town Hall on Post-Fire Air, Soil, and Water Safety

February 17, 2025

February 17, 2025

LA County Officials Will Discuss Environmental Testing, Recovery Efforts The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health will hold a...

Los Angeles County Launches $32.2 Million Relief Grant for Wildfire Victims

February 17, 2025

February 17, 2025

Eligible Households Affected by the Palisades Fires Can Apply Soon The Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs...

(Video) Enjoy Beach Proximity and Prime Amenities at Ocean View Hotel

February 17, 2025

February 17, 2025

For More Info, Go To Oceanviewsantamonica.com For More Info, Go To https://t.co/mHryynLSBp pic.twitter.com/2ELEuBFeS4 — CCNewsLA (@CCWNNews) February 17, 2025

Iconic Gloria Vanderbilt Estate Hits the Market for the First Time in 72 Years

February 16, 2025

February 16, 2025

Historic Beverly Hills Mansion With Star-Studded Past Listed at $16.5 Million For the first time in 72 years, the historic...

Get Your Collector’s Edition of Anora Screenplay This Week

February 16, 2025

February 16, 2025

Exclusive Giveaway at Top Indie Bookstores in Los Angeles Neon is celebrating the success of Anora by partnering with independent...

Melrose Avenue Businesses Forced to Close After Floodwaters Inundate Stores

February 16, 2025

February 16, 2025

Heavy Rains Turned Melrose Avenue Into a River, Causing Severe Damage  Heavy rainfall in the Fairfax District caused flooding on...

State Farm Faces Scrutiny Over Emergency Rate Hike Request From State Official

February 16, 2025

February 16, 2025

Commissioner Lara Demands Answers on Financial Stability and Consumer Impact California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has responded to State Farm’s...

UCLA Suspends Pro-Palestinian Student Groups Following Protest at UC Regent’s Home

February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

Chancellor Cites Potential Student Code Violations; Student Groups Reject Allegations UCLA has suspended two pro-Palestinian student organizations following a protest...

Flash Flood Warning Issued for Burn Areas, LAFD Officer Swept off Road by Debris

February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

Storm Damage Closes Pacific Coast Highway, Officials Urge Caution Not even members of the LAFD are being spared from the...

Culver City Police Investigate Disturbing Incident in Culver City Park

February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

Police Secure Area as Investigation Unfolds on Thursday Morning The Culver City Police Department received a call around 7:23 a.m....

Here are Your Last Minute Ideas if You Still Haven’t Planned Your Valentine’s Day Date

February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

Luscious Cookies, Delightful Drinks, Full Dinners at Home or In House, We’ve Got Them Okay, maybe you have been a...

Beloved Baldwin Hills Family-Owned Restaurant Post & Beam to Close After 13 Years

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Community Icon Shuts Doors as Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza Redevelopment  In yet another loss for the Los Angeles culinary community,...

Santa Monica Hotel Event Space Offers Affordability, Accessibility

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Elevate Your Events with Versatile Venues and Exceptional Service Coastal stays and eclectic event spaces don’t have to be expensive....