In the wake of last week’s severe weather that devastated much of Alabama – Attorney General Luther Strange has pledged that his office will be vigilant in protecting the citizen’s of the state from those who may be exploiting the tragedy for illegal profit.

With a State of Emergency now officially declared for every county in Alabama, the state’s price gouging law now goes into effect – under this law, businesses are prohibited from increasing the price of items for sale or rent by 25% or more above the average price charged in the same area within the last 30 days.

Consumers who observe price increases of 25% or more following a natural disaster, are urged to contact the Attorney General`s Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-5658.

Please have the following information when placing a call: the business name, business address, product (such as gasoline, ice, hotel, etc.), the price, the date and time the price was charged, and contact information for the person registering the complaint.

That number once again is 1-800-392-5658