Price Gouging is Illegal
The Gardena Police Department reminds everyone that it is illegal to price gouge. Under Penal Code 396, it is illegal to charge a price for goods or services that is more than 10% higher than the price charged immediately before a declaration of emergency. The price-gouging law applies to those, among many others, who sell: food, consumer goods, emergency supplies, medical supplies, and gasoline.
Consumers should also be aware of fake websites, emails, texts, and other messages from people claiming to be from the World Health Organization or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention seeking donations or personal information.
If you have any questions, contact the Gardena Police Department at 310-217-9670 or call your District Lieutenant
