Report Emergency Price Gouging in Modesto, California

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

In Modesto, California, consumers who suspect unlawful price gouging during a declared emergency can file complaints with state and local enforcement agencies. California law prohibits excessive price increases on essential goods and services when a state of emergency is in effect; enforcement is handled by district attorneys and the California Attorney General. Read the steps below to document the incident, submit evidence, and notify the proper office so investigators can act.

Keep receipts, dates, and photos to support a complaint.

What is price gouging in an emergency

Price gouging during an emergency generally means charging unconscionably high prices for goods or services needed for health, safety, or welfare while a proclaimed disaster is in effect. The controlling state statute is California Penal Code section 396, which describes prohibited conduct during declared emergencies.[1]

How to report price gouging

  • Document the seller name, location, dates and times of the sale, item description, unit price, and any photos or receipts.
  • File an online complaint with the California Attorney General using the official price gouging report form.[2]
  • Report to the Stanislaus County District Attorney Consumer Protection Unit for local investigation and coordination.[3]
  • If the seller is a business licensed by the City of Modesto, also contact Modesto Code Enforcement or the Business Licensing office (provide the same documentation).
File complaints quickly; emergency investigations rely on contemporaneous evidence.

Penalties & Enforcement

The law authorizes enforcement by local district attorneys and the California Attorney General. Specific statutory remedies and criminal or civil options are set out in state law and guidance, but fine amounts and exact sanctions are not specified on the cited page.[1]

  • Fines and monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Escalation: information on first, repeat, or continuing offence ranges is not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: authorities may seek injunctive relief, restitution, seizure of illegally priced goods, or criminal prosecution where applicable (see state statute and Attorney General guidance).[1]
  • Enforcer: Stanislaus County District Attorney Consumer Protection Unit handles local complaints; the California Attorney General provides statewide intake and coordination.[3]
  • Appeals/review: appeal routes depend on the type of action taken (civil injunctions or criminal charges); specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences/discretion: sellers can assert reasonable excuse or proof of cost increases; statutory or case-based defenses may apply and enforcement agencies exercise discretion.
Local DA offices typically evaluate reports to determine civil or criminal referrals.

Applications & Forms

The main form is the California Attorney General price gouging report page for consumers. For local cases, some district attorneys accept online or PDF complaint forms on their consumer protection pages; check the Stanislaus County DA site for local submission instructions.[2]

Common violations and examples

  • Unjustified price increases for bottled water or fuel during an evacuation.
  • Charging excessive cleaning or repair fees after a disaster without prior disclosure.
  • Doubling or tripling the price of essential medical supplies despite stable wholesale costs.

Action steps for Modesto consumers

  • Collect evidence immediately: photos with timestamps, receipts, and product packaging.
  • Submit the state complaint form to the California Attorney General.[2]
  • Contact Stanislaus County District Attorney Consumer Protection to report local incidents.[3]
  • If applicable, notify Modesto Code Enforcement or Business Licensing with your documentation.

FAQ

Can I report a hotel or rental that raised nightly rates during a declared emergency?
Yes. Document dates, rates, and booking receipts, then file a complaint with the California Attorney General and the Stanislaus County DA; both offices review consumer reports.
Will I be notified of the outcome after I file a complaint?
Agencies may not provide detailed updates for every complaint; you can request case status from the office you contacted, but public disclosure rules and investigative needs can limit what they share.
Is there a deadline to report price gouging?
There is no single statewide consumer filing deadline listed on the cited pages; report incidents promptly to preserve evidence and allow timely investigation.

How-To

  1. Gather evidence: receipts, photos, seller info, and dates.
  2. Complete the California Attorney General price gouging report form online with supporting documents.[2]
  3. Contact the Stanislaus County District Attorney Consumer Protection Unit for local follow-up.[3]
  4. If you receive a summons or notice, follow filing and appeal instructions promptly and consult an attorney if needed.

Key Takeaways

  • Report suspected price gouging quickly with receipts and photos.
  • Use the California Attorney General form and your county DA for local enforcement.
  • Penalties and exact fines are determined under state law and agency action; details are not specified on the cited page.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] California Legislative Information - Penal Code section 396
  2. [2] California Attorney General - Report Price Gouging
  3. [3] Stanislaus County District Attorney - Consumer Protection

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