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TALLAHASSEE, FL – Attorney General Bill McCollum today activated Florida’s price gouging hotline to address complaints related to Hurricane Ida. The Attorney General is charged with enforcing the price gouging statute during declared states of emergency. McCollum encouraged Floridians and guests to report incidents of price gouging immediately to the Attorney General’s hotline.

"In times of disaster, our citizens should be focused on protecting their families and homes, not on trying to avoid being scammed," said Attorney General McCollum. "Price gougers should heed this warning – we will not tolerate this illegal behavior in our state."

Florida law prohibits extreme increases in the price of essential commodities such as food, water, hotels, ice, gasoline, lumber and equipment needed as a direct result of an officially declared emergency. Price gouging should be reported to the Attorney General’s hotline at 1-866-9-NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226). Additional information is available online at: http://www.myfloridalegal.com.

The Attorney General reminded Floridians that while price gouging is an issue more commonly associated with hurricanes, identity theft and other scams deserve attention as well. Floridians should take the necessary precautions to safeguard personal documents or other important information. Scam artists may also attempt to defraud hurricane victims by "selling" products or services they never intend to deliver.

Residents are also advised to use extra caution when hiring workers to help clean up the damage caused by storms. Consumers face the risk that services will be offered by unlicensed individuals, that cleanup services will be offered at unconscionably high prices, or that so-called "contractors" will accept down payments but will not do any work. Attorney General McCollum suggested the following guidelines for consumers to protect themselves from unscrupulous contractors:

- Require home repair contractors to obtain all necessary government licenses and permits.
- Make sure contractors have proper occupational licenses as required by state law.
- Work only with reputable, established businesses. Take caution with "contractors" who knock on doors and offer to fix roofs and windows. Try to obtain more than one estimate for the repair work.
- Before signing a contract, check the payment terms and other provisions carefully.
- Do not pay cash to home repair contractors or tree removal services.