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SLO County DA warns against price gouging and fraud

March 14, 2020

SLO District Attorney Dan Dow

Warning by San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow

District Attorney Dan Dow issued a consumer alert on Friday warning businesses and consumers of price gouging and fraud in the wake of emergency declarations over coronavirus concerns.

During the state of emergency, Penal Code section 396 prohibits businesses, retailers, and other service or goods providers from charging a price that is more than ten percent higher than the amount that existed before the declaration. Covered goods and services include food, emergency supplies, medical supplies, building materials, gasoline, transportation, freight and storage services, hotel accommodations, and rental housing.

Goods and service providers may charge more than ten percent only if their costs have increased.

“Where price gouging is observed, the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office will aggressively investigate and prosecute those who prey upon the residents of our county to the fullest extent of the law,” said District Attorney Dan Dow.

Price gouging is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $10,000. Violators may also be subject to civil enforcement actions and penalties up to $5,000 per violation, plus restitution.

In addition to price gouging, consumers should be on alert for criminals who may set up fake websites, send emails, texts or post on social media impersonating a relief agency to profit illegally. Also, be wary of businesses claiming to have a miracle cure.

At present, there is not a cure for the coronavirus. Do not respond to anyone claiming to have a vaccination or cure. While most businesses are honest and have good intentions, there are always bad actors waiting to take advantage of social fear and anxiety.

County residents may report suspected price gouging by calling the District Attorney’s Office at (805) 781-5800.


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16 Comments
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S.B. If you think Dan Dow is friends with Adam Hill, then you are a bigger threat than the corona virus.


1

Just because Dow protects Hill doesn’t mean he likes him.


1

I respect Dan Dow for this warning. People buying up as much water, hand sanitizer and toilet paper, is bad for the community. But those trying to up the price and sell is awful.


15

Price gouger’s are shaking in their boots.


9

Fart and Smile sold a gallon of 70% isopropyl alcohol for about $3.50. When they ran out they were selling it for $13.50.


4

Dow didn’t seem too concerned about the ‘gouging’ that Paso police officer committed a while back.


12

The “victim” completely lacked credibility. No way could he have gotten a conviction. Learn about the facts before spouting off.


-4

You sure going to bat for our corrupt DA, or are you Dow?


7

Dan Dow; “Don’t examine all that stuff I missed, LOOK over here!”.


6

Price gouging in SLO county,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha….that’s comical. Better have a talk with some of the local gas stations there Dan.


18

Lying In Trash- The Plot to Bury a News Agency

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QRVLJhieGWw


16

““Where price gouging is observed, the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office will aggressively investigate and prosecute those who prey upon the residents of our county to the fullest extent of the law,” said District Attorney Dan Dow.”


Yeah, great. But when blatant obvious political corruption by public officials is widely observed by virtually anyone paying any amount of attention, the District Attorney will do nothing.


Yeah, thanks a lot. Have a nice day.


12

You have a lot to learn about the legal system and when charges can and cannot be filed.


-1

Oh, really? If you only knew, pal. If you only knew….


You have a lot to learn about living in the real world.


-1
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