Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott warned Texas Monday against taking advantage of refugees from Hurricane Katrina and said that he and local law enforcement will investigate closely any complaints of price gouging and false advertising.

Abbott says he's already heard from Nacogdoches city officials of complaints about inflated rates at a local motel.

"Desperate people have come into Texas in droves, leaving their homes to escape the devastation of Hurricane Katrina," Abbott said.

"We will bring legal action against any business that takes advantage of these citizens and their dire circumstances. My office will work closely with local police and district attorneys to aggressively pursue anyone who violates the law by exploiting victims in the wake of this massive storm,” he said.

Thousands of refugees from Louisiana and Mississippi have taken shelter in Southeast Texas as the Category Four storm approached, packing winds exceeding 135 miles per hour.

Abbott advises persons who believe they've been victimized to contact his office a 1-800-252-8011 or by visiting the Attorney General's Web site.

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