Protect Yourself

SCAMS & FRAUD

State and federal recovery officials urge all residents to watch for and report any suspicious activity or potential fraud from scam artists, identity thieves, and other criminals who may try to prey on survivors of the Woolsey Fire and other wildfires in California. For more information about how to avoid scams, visit http://wildfirerecovery.org/.

PRICE GOUGING

Businesses cannot increase the price of vital and necessary goods and services more than 10% 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. In addition to urgency ordinance adopted by the Malibu City Council on December 4, 2018, residents are protected by Los Angeles County’s price gouging ordinance and the California Penal Code following an emergency declaration. A violation of the County ordinance is a misdemeanor, which could result in a fine of up to $1,000, and/or imprisonment for up to six months in the County jail.

Suspected price gouging incidents can be reported to the  Los Angeles County Department of Business and Consumer Affairs (DCBA) at 800-593-8222 or online at DCBA.LACounty.gov.

For more information on avoiding price gouging and scams after a disaster, visit DCBA.LACounty.gov/DisasterReady.