DA’s Office Vigilant in Investigating Price Gouging in County

The Consumer Protection Division of the Alameda County District Attorney's Office is actively following up on complaints received and evidence uncovered about instances of price gouging by businesses throughout the county.
Since county officials and the Governor declared a state of emergency and since the shelter in place order was announced, our office has recorded a steady stream of calls and e-mails notifying us of instances of price gouging on products ranging from paper goods to cleaning supplies and food. DA Inspectors also continue to investigate leads that crop up on social media platforms. DA Inspectors are actively following up on leads by going to stores suspected of price gouging and issuing written warnings. Should the practice continue, merchants may face criminal charges.
Handwritten prices over bar codes
DA Inspectors investigating leads from the community on local price gouging
“I want to make it crystal clear that we will not stand for price gouging. It is illegal for any business to profiteer while we are in a state of emergency. All residents of Alameda County must continue to have access to necessary supplies, especially when the community’s health is at stake. My office will continue to investigate and, if necessary, prosecute businesses that exploit consumers who, like all of us, must purchase goods to take care of and protect themselves and their families,” says District Attorney O’Malley.
Handwritten mark-ups on paper towel rolls
The DA’s Offices continues to encourage Alameda County residents to report any instances price gouging when shopping for consumer goods or medical supplies. Price gouging refers to sellers trying to take unfair advantage of consumers during an emergency or disaster by increasing prices for essential consumer goods and services more than 10% of their previous price.
Anyone who has been the victim of price gouging, or who has information regarding potential price gouging, is encouraged to immediately file a complaint with the District Attorney’s Office by going to our website ( www.alcoda.org/cewpd/ ) or by calling (510) 383-8600 . Violations of the price gouging statute are subject to criminal prosecution that can result in one-year imprisonment in county jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Violators are also subject to civil enforcement actions including civil penalties of, injunctive relief, and mandatory restitution.
The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting consumers during this emergency. The office will investigate and can prosecute individuals or businesses who have engaged in illegal price gouging. 

District Attorney's Office Consumer, Environmental and Worker Protection Division
(510) 383-8600
  • The Alameda County DA’s Office is researching and keeping up with news on scams and fraudulent schemes that have emerged around the county, state and country over the past several weeks. We hope to keep you informed so that you can protect yourselves from falling prey to consumer fraud.


  • Beware of any individual claiming to be an Alameda County employee going door to door to conduct COVID-19 tests. Do not let this person into your home, do not purchase a test, and do not give out your vital information such as credit card numbers or social security number. Alameda County Employees are NOT going door to door offering tests. Anyone who claims so is a fraudster.

  • Do not engage with phone calls, robocalls, text messages or e-mail solicitations offering free home testing kits or promoting medicinal cures. These scammers are preying on virus-related fears. Do not agree to buy the products, do not give out your credit card or bank information and do not give out any vital information such as your social security number.

  • Some calls have claimed to sell a tests, cures and air duct cleaning and sanitation that enable consumers to breathe free of bacteria to protect their families. These robocalls and texts offer tests and cures and ask for payments over the phone and may also request private medical information. One pernicious version of this scam is targeting higher risk individuals with diabetes, offering a free COVID-19 testing kit along with a free diabetic monitor.

  • Some states are aware of fake “Senior Care Packages” that are sent to seniors with sanitizers, tests and even perhaps suggestion of a vaccine, some claiming Trump has ordered the test. These scams include obtaining personal information from elders to bill federal and state health programs for services not performed.

  • Charitable giving is important, but carefully research any organization or charity asking for a donation to help fight COVID-19 or to assist sick individuals. Scammers creating fake charities in an effort to prey on philanthropic desires around the country and send fake emails posing as officials from entities such as the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 
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Questions for the DA's Office?
QUICK LINKS
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Alameda County DA's Office website: View up-to-date news and information about the office at our website.

Alameda County Family Justice Center (ACFJC) website: The ACFJC is a 1-stop location that provides victims of crime with legal, health, and support services, and the opportunity for physical and psychological safety, recovery and well-being.