Louisiana - As Louisiana prepares for the potential impact of Francine, Attorney General Liz Murrill is warning residents about the dangers of price gouging. Price gouging, which is illegal, occurs when businesses take advantage of a state of emergency to charge exorbitant prices for goods and services.

"While we usually see the best in people during a storm, sometimes we also see the worst in people. Price gouging is not only wrong, it's also illegal," said Attorney General Murrill. "My office will enforce the law to make sure no one is taken advantage of before, during, and after Francine."

Under Louisiana law, price gouging is defined as charging a price that "grossly exceeds" the price of the same or similar goods or services in the same area immediately prior to the emergency. However, there are exceptions to this rule. If a business can prove that the price increase is due to verifiable regional or national market trends, or if the increase is due to additional supply costs, it may not be considered price gouging.

The price gouging law is in effect upon declaration of a state of emergency by the governor or parish president and can be renewed for up to 30 days at a time. The law applies to all goods and services and covers the entire state.

Residents who suspect price gouging can report it to local law enforcement or file a complaint with the Attorney General's office. The office encourages complainants to provide specific evidence, such as advertisements and receipts, to support their claim.

Violators of the price gouging law can face civil penalties, including injunctive relief, restitution, and damages. In some cases, price gouging can also be a criminal offense, punishable by fines and imprisonment.

Residents can report suspected price gouging by contacting local law enforcement or filing a complaint with the Attorney General's office through their website or by calling the Consumer Hotline at (800) 351-4889.