Report Price Gouging in Glendale, California

Business and Consumer Protection California 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of California

In Glendale, California, consumers who suspect price gouging during a declared emergency can report suspected violations to state and county authorities and to local offices that handle consumer complaints. This guide explains who enforces price-gouging rules, what information to collect, how to file an official complaint, and what enforcement or appeal options are typically available under California law.

Keep receipts, screenshots, timestamps, and seller contact details before filing a complaint.

Penalties & Enforcement

Price gouging in California is addressed under state law and enforced by the California Attorney General and local prosecutors; local consumer protection offices and county consumer affairs units also accept complaints and refer cases for investigation. The controlling state statute is Penal Code section 396, which defines unlawful price increases during a state of emergency.California Attorney General price gouging guidance[1] and the statutory text are primary references for enforcement and reporting.Penal Code §396[2]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; see the statutory text and Attorney General guidance for case-specific remedies.[2]
  • Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page; enforcement can include civil or criminal referrals depending on facts and prosecutorial discretion.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders, injunctive relief, restitution, and criminal charges may be pursued where supported by evidence; specific remedies are determined by prosecutors or courts and are not fully itemized on the cited guidance.[2]
  • Enforcers: California Attorney General, county district attorneys, and city attorneys may investigate and prosecute; Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs accepts complaints and refers matters to prosecutors.LA County DCBA price-gouging info[3]
Local prosecutors decide charges and remedies based on the evidence and circumstances.

Applications & Forms

  • California Attorney General complaint information and online reporting guidance: use the Attorney General consumer pages linked above to find current submission instructions.[1]
  • Los Angeles County DCBA complaint form or online intake for price-gouging referrals is available through the DCBA page linked above.[3]
  • Glendale City Attorney or local consumer protection contact: check the City of Glendale consumer/attorney pages for local submission options (see Resources below).

How to Report Price Gouging

Follow these steps to prepare and submit a complaint to official agencies.

  1. Document the sale: save receipts, screenshots with timestamps, product descriptions, and the seller's name and contact details.
  2. Confirm the time frame: ensure the purchase or listing occurred during a declared state of emergency that covers the area in question.
  3. Use the California Attorney General guidance to identify applicable statutes and submit an online tip or complaint when available.[1]
  4. If you are in Los Angeles County, file a complaint with LA County DCBA or follow their referral process for price-gouging investigations.[3]
  5. Contact the Glendale City Attorney's office for local assistance and to learn whether the city will refer the matter to the district attorney or take other action.
  6. Keep records of your submission and follow up with the agency; prosecutors may request additional evidence or provide updates if the complaint is accepted for investigation.
Submit complaints promptly while evidence and witnesses are available.

FAQ

How do I report suspected price gouging in Glendale?
Collect evidence and submit a complaint to the California Attorney General's consumer protection pages or to Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs; you may also contact the Glendale City Attorney for local guidance.[1][3]
What evidence should I include?
Include dated receipts, photos or screenshots showing prices and timestamps, seller contact information, and a short description of the transaction.
Will I get a refund or compensation?
Remedies depend on the investigation and prosecutorial decisions; restitution may be ordered in some cases but specific outcomes are determined by enforcers and courts.

How-To

  1. Gather and timestamp evidence: receipts, screenshots, and seller details.
  2. Verify the incident falls within a declared emergency period.
  3. Complete the Attorney General or LA County DCBA complaint intake forms linked above and submit supporting files.[1][3]
  4. Follow up with the agency that received your complaint if you do not receive confirmation within the stated intake timeframe.

Key Takeaways

  • File complaints with state or county consumer protection offices for the best chance of enforcement.
  • Strong documentation and timestamps are essential evidence.
  • Local city offices can provide guidance but prosecutions are typically handled by prosecutors or the Attorney General.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] California Attorney General — Price Gouging information and reporting
  2. [2] California Penal Code §396
  3. [3] Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs — Price Gouging

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