FRANKFORT — With Kentucky under a state of emergency, Attorney General Russell Coleman on Monday announced the activation of the Attorney General’s Price Gouging Hotline. He is urging residents to report suspected violations.

Residents can file complaints online or by calling 1-888-432-9257. A team within the Office of Consumer Protection will investigate reports to determine whether price gouging has occurred.

Price gouging is charging more than 10% above pre-emergency prices without justification from increased costs—has occurred.

The law applies to essential goods and services: food, gasoline, shelter, transportation and emergency cleanup or repair, including tree removal.

“When disaster strikes, no Kentuckian should have to worry about being exploited during an already stressful time,” Coleman said in a statement. “Our office is committed to protecting hardworking Kentuckians and holding predatory businesses accountable.”

Kentucky enacted its price gouging legislation nearly two decades ago. Since then, the Office of Consumer Protection has pursued numerous cases against companies accused of exploiting residents during emergencies.