Oklahoma Attorney General Warns About Price Gouging

Oklahoma's Attorney General issued a warning Monday about price gouging following this weekend's severe storms and tornadoes.

Scott Pruitt says the state's Emergency Price Stabilization Act is now in effect for 16 counties after the Governor declared a state of emergency Sunday.

Pruitt says the statute prohibits an increase of more than 10 percent in the price of most goods and services when a state of emergency has been declared.

"This weekend's severe storms left a trail of devastation across the state, damaging personal and business property that will need to be repaired or replaced. While the overwhelming majority of Oklahomans are focused on helping their neighbors in the aftermath, we have seen a few cases of price gouging and fraudulent claims in the past, so consumers need to be alert," Scott Pruitt said.

The price gouging statute was adopted following the May 1999 tornadoes that caused significant damage across a large portion of Oklahoma.

If you suspect price gouging, Pruitt says file a complaint with his office's Public Protection Unit at www.oag.ok.gov or by calling (405) 521-2029.