Prosecutors in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties are warning the businesses community that they are on the lookout for instances of price gouging during the coronavirus crisis. The price gouging laws apply to things like food and beverages, emergency supplies such as flashlights and radios, and toiletries like toilet paper.
During a declared emergency, goods and service providers can’t charge prices more than 10% higher than what existed before the proclamation. Law enforcement agencies like Oxnard Police say they are prepared to do criminal investigations if they receive reports of price gouging.
People convicted of a criminal charge of price gouging could face up to a year in jail, and a $10,000 fine.