Montgomery, AL – The state Attorney General is warning against price-gouging or taking advantage of tornado victims. At least five people died when powerful tornadoes plowed through north Alabama early Wednesday. State and local officials estimated 500 homes were damaged or destroyed and scores of people were injured.
In a statement yesterday, Troy King cautions storm victims to be wary of anyone who would further victimize them through home-repair frauds.
King said state law prohibits ``unconscionable pricing'' of items for sale or rent during an official state of emergency.
The penalty is a fine of up to one thousand dollars per violation, and those determined to have willfully and continuously violated this law may be prohibited from doing business in Alabama.
You can report problems of alleged fraud or illegal price-gouging to the A-G's Office of Consumer Affairs by calling toll-free 1-800-392-5658, or though the Attorney General's main web page at www.ago.alabama.gov.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)