Residents experience Price Gouging

LOS ANGELS COUNTY-on January 16, Residents in Los Angeles County who have been displaced by California wildfires are plagued with rising rental rates and other price-gouging problems, in the suburbs where the fires initially began in LA County, which state officials plan to Halt immediately.

FEMA and other organizations can provide the help that residents need to make a new start, some of these programs offer temporary housing,  funding,  food resources and other types of lodging. Please be aware of scams that can make the situation worse. Make sure you are speaking with reputable representatives when  speaking  with a worker representing any organization that offers their assistance. 

Wealthy individuals aren't the only ones who live in Suburban areas, people who have worked all their lives to live in nice places have lost their homes as well and everyone deserves fair treatment.

If you're renting rooms at a hotel or motel check with the state hotel association to make sure you are getting the best rates.

Contact your home and auto insurance companies regarding any claims you need to file relating to fire damage theft etc., make sure the incident occourred during  the fire, all claims will be investigated. 

If you're allowed back in evacuation areas please make sure that you have identification and follow all curfew mandates.

In the meantime, if you think or know you have been treated unfairly during this trying time please let someone know, there are places where you can file your complaint, check with your state and County agencies for more information.

To file Price gouging complaints contact the California Attorney General at oag.ca.gov/report

By Anita Johnson

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