Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey and Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer came together to inform the public and warn potential perpetrators of scams and price gouging about legal consequences. (photo courtesy of the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office)

Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer and Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey are warning the public to beware of misinformation, price gouging and scams related to the coronavirus pandemic.

Feuer and Lacey announced the creation of a Joint Coronavirus Task Force with the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs and L.A. County Counsel, and detailed efforts to stop illegal and dangerous practices.

“We’re fighting to protect an anxious and uncertain public from price gouging, online scams and misinformation,” Feuer said. “My office is investigating traditional stores and online retailers, uncovering unsubstantiated advertising claims about alleged coronavirus prevention, treatment and cures, and investigating safety products such as protective masks that may not perform as advertised, as well as products being sold at astronomical prices. And we’re taking action. If you’re a victim, please contact our Office.”

The City Attorney’s Office announced success in removing internet advertising making alleged false claims about coronavirus prevention and treatment. Attorneys from Feuer’s office discovered alleged false advertising from the Los Angeles-area company CEN Group LLC on its website, safebabyhealthychild.com, which claimed that vitamin C is a “safe and proven treatment” that “can protect against coronavirus,” that “high doses of vitamins, especially Vitamin C, can be used to address the coronavirus outbreak” and that “the coronavirus can be dramatically slowed or stopped completely with the immediate widespread use of high doses of vitamin C.”

The Food and Drug Administration and Federal Trade Commission recently warned that there are currently no vaccines or drugs approved to treat the coronavirus. The National Institute of Health has also cautioned that “alternative” treatments such as high doses of vitamins A, C and D do nothing to protect people from the virus and can in fact, be harmful.

Feuer, concerned that the advertising claims related to Vitamin C might cause consumers to ignore recommended precautions, such as vigilant hand-washing and social distancing, contacted the company. In response, CEN Group LLC immediately agreed to remove the claims from its website.

Price gouging laws are put in place whenever a federal, state or local state of emergency has been declared. For 30 days following the emergency declaration, it is unlawful for any consumer good, food or service to be sold, or offered for sale, at a price higher than 10% more than it was prior to the emergency declaration. This includes medical supplies and any items purchased online and delivered to Los Angeles.

The city attorney has the authority to proceed both criminally or civilly in response to price gouging violations. Violators may be sentenced to up to one year of county jail and fined up to $10,000.

Feuer urged anyone who believes they are a victim to call the City Attorney’s Office at (213)978-8340, or visit lacityattorney.org.