Kentucky's Attorney General activates price-gouging hotline

The price gouging statute will remain in effect for 15 days

FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) – Following Gov. Andy Beshear’s issuance of a state of emergency for all of Kentucky due to the winter storm, including the state’s price-gouging laws, Attorney General Russell Coleman announced Monday the activation of the Attorney General’s Price Gouging Hotline.

Coleman encourages any Kentuckian who suspects price gouging to report it online or by calling 1-888-432-9257.  A team of attorneys, investigators and staff with the Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Protection will review the complaints to determine if price gouging has occurred.

Kentucky law defines price gouging as a grossly excessive charge, more than 10 percent above the price prior to the emergency declaration, that is not related to higher costs to the seller.

“When disaster strikes and Kentuckians are concerned for their families’ safety, no one should have to worry if they are being taken advantage of,” Coleman said. “Our Office is determined to protect hardworking Kentuckians and send a message to predatory businesses.”

In the nearly two decades since Kentucky’s General Assembly passed legislation prohibiting price gouging, the Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Protection has taken on numerous matters to hold companies accountable for attempting to take advantage of Kentuckians at some of their most vulnerable times.

The activation of the price gouging statute by the Governor on Jan. 4 will remain in effect for 15 days, or until Jan. 19, but it can be renewed up to three more times in 15-day increments, by the issuance of a new executive order. 

Goods and services covered by the price-gouging law include:

Consumer food items, goods or services used for emergency cleanup, emergency supplies, medical supplies, home heating oil, building materials, housing, transportation, freight, and storage services, gasoline or other motor fuels and direct care staff services provided by a health care services agency.

Here is where you can read the entire state of emergency declaration.