Consumer Law
All Consuming 
Information about consumer protection issues.
Post Frequency: 10.2/day Last Entry: November 19, 2009 at 21:18:06 Recent Entries: 418
By Washington State Office of Attorney General
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Today Show spotlights post-transaction marketing
Posted on November 19, 2009Following up on yesterday's blog post about Attorney General Rob McKenna's testimony to Congress about deceptive online sales tactics, I thought I'd share this report from the Today Show ...
Wells Fargo agrees to buy back auction rate securities
Posted on November 19, 2009Wells Fargo will buy back an estimated $1.3 billion in auction rate securities that have been frozen since February 2008, the state Department of Financial Institutions announced yesterday.
Should you buy extra coverage for electronics?
Posted on November 18, 2009Consumers will spend $1.3 billion on extended warranties this holiday season, says one industry report. Is the extra coverage worth it? ...
Shop online? Watch out for sneaky charges
Posted on November 18, 2009Shop online? If you don't scrutinize each step of the checkout process, you may end buying more than you wanted. Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna took a leading role in encouraging Congress to get tough on companies that engage in deceptive online sales tactics...
Settlement fixes alleged hang-ups with Vonage?s billing practices
Posted on November 18, 2009Vonage, one of the nation?s largest providers of Internet-based phone service, will refund eligible customers and pay $3 million to the states to resolve concerns about its billing and cancellation policies.
One bad email drains $500,000 from victim's bank account
Posted on November 10, 2009Beware of an email that claims you need to reset your Facebook password. It carries a nasty virus that wiped out $500,000 from a Maple Valley computing business? bank account ...
10 ways fake check scammers find you
Posted on November 06, 2009According to the Consumer Federation of America, 1 in 3 American adults has received a counterfeit check, and of those, 2 percent actually deposit the checks and send money to the scammers. KOMO reporter Connie Thompson reports on 10 ways that phony check scammers track you down ...
Biz Tip: Cut credit card processing fees with 'interchange plus'
Posted on November 05, 2009Hey, business owners, are you spending too much to swipe a customer's credit card? One possible way to whittle down those processing fees is to switch from tiered pricing, which most merchants use, to "interchange plus." ...
Bellevue forum offers free small biz tips
Posted on November 05, 2009The IRS and the City of Bellevue's Office of Economic Development are hosting a Washington Small Business Forum from 9 to noon on Friday, Dec. 4, at Bellevue City Hall ...
AGs tell Congress: Don't limit states' authority to protect consumers
Posted on November 04, 2009As Congress considers legislation to create a Consumer Financial Protection Agency, Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna is leading a group of 40 state attorneys general in urging federal lawmakers to uphold the role of the states in enforcing consumer protection laws ...
U.S. House wants to speed up new credit card rules
Posted on November 04, 2009The U.S. House voted today to freeze credit card interest rates and fees for nine months. The bill, approved 331-92, would accelerate the February enactment date of legislation already passed by Congress that restricts when and how banks can charge credit card customers ...
Grandparents still falling for 'wire me some $' scam
Posted on October 30, 2009Cons in Canada are still preying on grandparents. Since All Consuming first alerted readers about the "grandparent scam" (also called the "grandchild scam") in summer 2008, people continue to tell us how they or their loved ones fell victim to the ploy...
Thumbs Up: Lynden restaurant owner thwarts scam
Posted on October 30, 2009John Stark, consumer blogger for the Bellingham Herald, passed along this news release from a Lynden business. It's a good reminder that businesses are targets of wire transfer scams too.
Latinos at risk of being exploited by notarios
Posted on October 28, 2009In most Latin American countries, a ?notario? is a licensed attorney. But the similar-sounding English word ?notary public,? which translates to ?notario publico,? means something entirely different ...
New AGO Events Calendar
Posted on October 26, 2009Where can I find a shred event? Where is Attorney General Rob McKenna speaking? Our new events calendar gives you the scoop ...
Lowdown on all those free credit report sites
Posted on October 23, 2009By now, you should know that you?re entitled to a free annual credit report from each of three major bureaus ? Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. All Consuming recommends one Web site to obtain your free credit reports, Annualcreditreport.com. But what about all those other sites touting free credit reports?
Attorney General prepared to hammer dishonest home remodelers
Posted on October 14, 2009Window sellers need to be transparent in their marketing. Roofers need to stay on top of the law. And home siding installers shouldn?t sidle up to consumers with inappropriately high-pressure sales pitches. That?s the gist of a letter sent Tuesday by the Washington Attorney General?s Office to more than 30 home remodelers around the state.
Check if your email password was hacked
Posted on October 12, 2009Thousands of personal e-mail passwords belonging to Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo, AOL, Earthlink and Comcast users were posted online after a phishing sceme targeted users of Gmail, Hotmail and others, according to news reports. You can check if your account was on the list.
Talking to your kids about inappropriate Web searches
Posted on October 06, 2009Miriam, a mother of four, wrote to All Consuming with a sensitive question about talking to her kids about their Internet searches. For advice, we turned to expert Linda Criddle.
New interest-free and stripped-down credit cards
Posted on October 05, 2009I confess: I have credit card debt. If you?re like me, you?ve likely found that as soon as you pay down one card you need to use it to buy something else. Due to recent changes in laws regulating credit card companies, many card issuers are raising interest rates and fees for consumers with good credit...
My gym closed. Can I get a refund?
Posted on October 02, 2009The closure of several Bally?s health clubs has spurred complaints from consumers who want their money back.
Cookie monsters
Posted on September 28, 2009You may have heard of cookies. They?re delicious morsels that come in flavors like chocolate chip and gingerbread, right? In this case, however, I?m talking about the itsy bitsy files that are deposited on your hard drive as you browse the Web. Some are harmless...
REI sweepstakes scam ... and the origin of 'pulling your leg'
Posted on September 25, 2009If you receive a letter in the mail saying you've won $150,000 in REI's "Consumer Promotion Drawing," don't start planning your next outdoors adventure. It's just a scam from someone trying to pull your thermal leg warmer.
Veterans target of prescription drug scam
Posted on September 24, 2009The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is warning veterans not to give credit card numbers over the phone to callers claiming to update prescription information.
Do the Puyallup with Rob McKenna!
Posted on September 21, 2009Do the Puyallup Fair with Attorney General Rob McKenna on Senior Tuesday to get the lowdown on senior scams and identity theft.
Free fall shredding events
Posted on September 17, 2009To avoid a real-life fright night, be sure to shred sensitive documents.
Settlement aims to insulate consumers from future window pains
Posted on September 17, 2009Our Consumer Protection Division lifted the curtain on a Seattle-based window installer?s allegedly deceptive sales practices and negotiated a settlement to insulate consumers from future harm.
Sweet sound of silence
Posted on September 11, 2009Does dinner time seem more peaceful? The Federal Trade Commission has banned telemarketing pitches known as robocalls unless consumers have agreed in writing to the calls.
Kudos: Walmart employee stops wire fraud
Posted on September 09, 2009We need more people like Renton Walmart employee Carrie Smith. Smith, 68, was featured in a recent Seattle Times article for talking people out of sending thousands of dollars by wire transfer to scammers.
How to avoid a repo when you can?t make a car payment
Posted on September 08, 2009David, an All Consuming reader, recently wrote for advice: ?I cannot make my car payment. If I pay the interest and a little towards the principal, can I keep the car until I get back on my feet?? Attorney General Rob McKenna replied in today's Ask the AG column...
Reader questions: overdue traffic fines and credit opt-out
Posted on September 04, 2009All Consuming blog moderator Kristin Alexander answers reader questions ...
Dealer to refund consumers who never got their free gas
Posted on September 03, 2009Gas vouchers were a hot promotional tool last year, used to lure potential customers to dealerships, furniture stores and seminars. A Vancouver, Wash., car dealer must now reimburse customers who responded to one such promotion that the Washington Attorney General?s Office says was deceptive.
More consumers complaining about credit, AGs report shows
Posted on August 31, 2009In a sign of the economic times, credit cards and predatory lending/mortgages cracked the national top 10 list of consumer complaints to state attorneys general offices last year, the National Association of Attorney General announced today.
Consumers juiced by deceptive Açaí and resveratrol product ads
Posted on August 28, 2009Washington consumers looking to lose weight or wrinkles have jumped at ?free trial? offers for açaí berry and resveratrol products. But the fruity supplements came with unexpected costs.
Money for nothing ...
Posted on August 27, 2009... Or nothing for your money. From Ponzi schemes to exotic financial investments, consumers are being conned.
BBB warns of bogus 'survey agent' job offer
Posted on August 26, 2009A job ad for a ?survey agent? is too good to be true, the Better Business Bureau warned today.
Final call for dealers to file Clunkers papers
Posted on August 25, 2009The U.S. Transportation Department has extended the deadline for dealers to file Cash for Clunkers applications once again, this time until 5 PDT tonight (Tuesday, Aug. 25).
Money back for lemon Lamborghini owner
Posted on August 21, 2009Proving that price is no object when it comes to Washington?s Lemon Law, a Seattle real estate investor will receive a refund on his 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder convertible.
Been bamboozled by bamboo fabrics?
Posted on August 20, 2009Bamboo fabrics are really rayon. Bummer. ...
Public Counsel recommends rejection of Avista?s requested rate hikes
Posted on August 18, 2009The Public Counsel Section of the Washington State Attorney General?s Office is challenging electric and gas rate increases proposed by Avista, saying the Spokane-based utility?s request is not justified and that, in fact, the company might be charging its customers too much for service.
Get the best bang for your buck on textbooks
Posted on August 17, 2009Textbooks are something all college students need but the prices seem to keep going up with no sign of stopping. Fortunately, many people understand the plight of students and are now offering cost-efficient ways for students to acquire and sell textbooks...
$10 TV too good to be true
Posted on August 14, 2009Wednesday morning, BestBuy.com advertised a 52-inch Samsung HDTV for $9.99. Yes, you read that right ? a savings of more than $1,600. Many buyers jumped online and were able to place orders, but the company announced it was a ?pricing error? and cancelled sales...
Cash for Clunkers questions answered
Posted on August 10, 2009Last week, the feds injected another $2 billion into the "Cash for Clunkers" program. Cars are selling and the Attorney General?s Office is receiving questions from consumers about just how much dealers are supposed to knock off of their trade-in. Hopefully, this helps clear up some of the confusion.
Psst! Bet I can figure out your Social Security number
Posted on August 07, 2009We?ve repeatedly told consumers to protect their Social Security numbers. Those nine-digit combinations, unique for each of us, are a goldmine for identity thieves who would like to hack your bank account or open credit in your name.
Could you have caused the social media meltdown?
Posted on August 06, 2009Users of social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter expect the services provided to fit their desires. When this fails to happen, as with Thursday?s Twitter outage and sluggish Facebook performance, frustrated consumers often believe the sites are solely at fault...
Bellingham Herald: Sources for Consumer questions about Identity Theft
Posted on July 30, 2009In this advancing age of technological inquiry, there are many new facets of information that can be used to enable identity thieves. Lots of us think that personal information stored on computers is safe as long as it's password-protected. However, this isn?t true...
KIRO TV: Vast amounts of Personal Identity Recovered in Illegal dumping
Posted on July 30, 2009It?s your worst nightmare: having files with personal information available for anybody to see, including identity thieves. As time has gone on and awareness of the potential exploitation of this personal information has increased, individuals and companies have become increasingly vigilant...
Worry-Free Guarantee!
Posted on July 28, 2009Are you in need of an adrenalin boost? Whatever the reason, the AG's office is here to help.How, you ask? By offering reading material that is sure to spark your "fight or flight" response. Specifically, you should note the claims recently filed by our Consumer Protection Division against Rent-A-Center, Inc...
Consumer Protection and Youth
Posted on July 23, 2009The noted Greek author Diogenes Laertius once famously said "The foundation of every state is the education of its youth." In uncertain and perilous times like these, this quote rings especaially true. As every individual's period of youth turns into young adulthood, it is important that they have been educated on the roles of a consumer and the realities of consumer exploitation.
Consumer Rights in Purchasing Tickets
Posted on July 21, 2009Consumer exploitation is possible when purchasing tickets.
Settlement with Dish Network
Posted on July 20, 2009"Consumers didn?t realize that, in the fine print of its contract, DISH Network had given itself permission to make automatic debits or charges to their credit cards."Last week, Rob McKenna announced a $6 million settlement with Dish Network for alleged "deceptive and unfair sales practices...
New AGO All Consuming Voices
Posted on July 15, 2009Tired of reading Kristin's trivial tidbits? Well, now you get a break. Please join me in welcoming three new All Consuming voices. Paul Edwards, Alex Binz and Johnie Freatman are helping out this summer and I'm sure you'll enjoy their updates! Read more about them ...
Rip it up at July shred events!
Posted on July 13, 2009More free shredding events for those of you looking to safely dispose of sensitive documents:
Identity Score: You are a number now
Posted on July 09, 2009If you read All Consuming regularly, you?re familiar with the concept of a credit score and how it can make a difference when you need a loan, want to open a credit account or need to rent an apartment. But have you heard about your ?identity score?? I hadn?t either, until I read this article by SmartMoney:
Mortgage woes? Free help at July workshops
Posted on July 07, 2009If you can?t keep up with your mortgage payments and are concerned about foreclosure, you can obtain free help. The Urban League has teamed up with the state Department of Financial Institutions and other organizations to provide three workshops this month in the Puget Sound.
FTC tackles Tacoma debt-repair company
Posted on July 01, 2009A Tacoma debt-repair company was shut down this week by the Federal Trade Commission for preying on financially strapped consumers. ... Read the full post for tips to spot a debt-repair scam and where to find legitimate help.
Casual bLAWging at the AGO
Posted on July 01, 2009All Consuming has an interesting niche. We?re a government blog. We?re a consumer blog. We?re a chameleon, of sorts. A horse of many colors. A wearer of multiple hats. A proud manipulator/abuser of clichés ?Anyway, we received a nice mention in this month?s Washington State Bar News because we?re also a law blog ...
Pierce County businesses claiming to help homeless aren?t charities
Posted on June 29, 2009The telemarketers? pitch seems innocent enough: They want you to buy trash bags, light bulbs or gift cards at jacked-up prices. They claim your cash will help the homeless or support employment for those with disabilities. But state officials and consumer advocates are warning residents not to be misled by these sales calls...
Driving home the meaning of Do Not Call to car warranty telemarketers
Posted on June 24, 2009The Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys have declared war, so to speak, on a number of companies that advertise so-called extended vehicle warranties through the use of deceptive ?robo-calls? ...Have you received any robo-calls lately advertising car warranties/service contracts?
TJX?s data breach a costly lesson
Posted on June 23, 2009TJX agreed to pay $9.75 million to 41 attorneys general as a part of settlement that follows the states? investigation concerning the retailer?s data security practices. ... Info on the new "Red Flags Rule." ...
Happy birthday to us!
Posted on June 19, 2009We're 2! Our first story posted June 20, 2007, highlighted new technology to help prevent auto theft (think GPS!). Since then, we?ve written about 450 other snippets covering everything from modern-day pirates to Zombie PC attacks; hot urban legends to love scams; unsavory spam to credit reports, including some that aren't so free and one you probably didn?t know about...
Free legal advice for those facing foreclosure
Posted on June 18, 2009Homeowners facing foreclosure can receive free legal help thanks to a new program launched by the Washington State Bar Association. ...
Consumer options are limited when businesses go bankrupt
Posted on June 16, 2009In today's Ask the AG column, Attorney General Rob McKenna talks about what boarded-up stores and bankruptcies mean for consumers and explains how you can avoid common pitfalls.Share your thoughts:As a consumer, are you more careful about where and how you shop? As a business owner, what are you doing to reassure your customers that it's a good time to buy?
Work-at-home offers are often scams
Posted on June 15, 2009For many people, working from home sounds ideal: Be your own boss. Set your own hours. Make money. But before you pounce on a work-at-home offer, wait. Many employment offers are scams.
KOMO and KIMA back on DISH Network
Posted on June 11, 2009DISH Network and Fisher Communications have ended their contract dispute that kept Fisher stations including KOMO and KIMA off the satellite service since December. DISH resumed broadcasts of Fisher stations at 10:25 p.m. Wednesday.
Economic scams abound. We've got your back.
Posted on June 09, 2009For Eva Buck, a single mother of twin girls, it was a stranger?s offer to help her save her family?s home from foreclosure. For small business owner Reuben Quam, it was a promise of big returns on his investment. For grandparents Howard and Barbara Rice, it was a call from a supposed relative in trouble...
New Chrysler will uphold Lemon Law promises
Posted on June 03, 2009Here?s some sweet news for Chrysler owners: The Chrysler Group, LLC, and Fiat have agreed to honor the ?Lemon Law? rights of buyers when the new company takes control of the U.S. auto maker.
Judge?s order puts skids on motorcycle parts dealer?s deceptive sales practices
Posted on June 02, 2009The Washington Attorney General?s Office is working to ?keep the dirty side down?* for motorcycle enthusiasts who shop for parts over the Internet. ...
Is 75 percent off MSRP on a car a good deal?
Posted on June 01, 2009The car ads are enticing: 75% off manufacturer's suggested retail price. $0 Down Delivers! Forced Liquidation!Unfortunately, offers like these can be misleading. ...
Free help available to pay for Rx drugs
Posted on May 29, 2009Recent layoffs mean more Washington residents are without health insurance. The good news is they may qualify for assistance to help cover the costs of necessary prescription medications. Help is literally rolling your way this week if you live in Seattle, Spokane, Tri-Cities, Prosser, Yakima, Everett, Olympia, Longview or Vancouver...
Credit card bill: the end of fees or the beginning?
Posted on May 27, 2009Days after I addressed an All Consuming blog reader?s concern about a sudden spike in his credit card?s interest rate, Congress passed a landmark law to address the problem. But will consumers with good credit end up footing the bill?Do you think the new law will help you or hurt you?
Is your elderly relative donating too much to charity?
Posted on May 20, 2009Seniors reportedly receive more telephone and mail solicitations than any other age group. Those with dementia can write check after check to charities without understanding how much they?re spending or how the money will be used.
Is your elderly relative writing too many charity checks?
Posted on May 20, 2009Seniors reportedly receive more telephone and mail solicitations than any other age group. Those with dementia can write check after check to charities without understanding how much they?re spending or how the money will be used.
The high price of love comes with a contract
Posted on May 19, 2009The girl next door is married. The guy at your gym already has a significant other. Let?s face it, meeting your future Mr. or Mrs. Right isn?t always easy. So it?s not surprising that dating services are becoming more popular. ... If you're considering such a service, read our tips ...
Congress addresses drastic credit card interest hikes
Posted on May 14, 2009Ticked off by sudden spikes in credit card rates? You're not alone. Congress is on it. ... What do you think about the proposed Credit Cardholders Bill of Rights? Has your credit card interest rate changed lately?
If it seems cheap ...
Posted on May 12, 2009If you received a postcard in the mail saying that your prepaid package containing jewelry is waiting for you and you just need to confirm delivery, would you think it was your lucky day?
When is a credit card payment due?
Posted on May 11, 2009An All Consuming reader asked the following: My credit card company insists that the payment over due date is when they receive the payment at their office. I believe the post date is the date of payment made. Is there a law defining this? ...
Ride to Hell? Make sure your limo is licensed
Posted on May 11, 2009It's prom and wedding season. If you plan to hire a limo or town car to celebrate, make sure it's licensed and legitimate. ...
Pay time for notorious foreclosure rescue scammer
Posted on May 07, 2009A judge ordered a notorious foreclosure rescue scammer to pay more than $3.2 million to victims he wronged plus $179,000 in penalties for violating the Consumer Protection Act ...
Following the yellow brick road to deceitful SEOs
Posted on May 04, 2009The Wizard of Oz hid behind a Web of lies until he was confronted by Dorothy. Here in our own Emerald City, we have an issue with another kind of deceit: SEOs that boast amazing feats.
As if one Swine Flu virus weren?t enough
Posted on May 01, 2009Scammers are trying to cash in the Swine Flu frenzy. As if the threat of a pandemic weren?t enough, now we have to worry about a potential computer virus epidemic, phishing attacks and bogus prevention products.
Foreclosure relief kit a neatly packaged rip-off
Posted on April 29, 2009This e-mailed advertisement for a ?Foreclosure Relief Kit? clogged up a co-worker?s inbox. It looks like an attractively packaged rip-off, if you ask us.
Kittitas teens take 2nd place in national LifeSmarts contest
Posted on April 28, 2009Congratulations to Kittitas High School for a second place win in the national LifeSmarts competition!
Courts offer break on your overdue traffic fines
Posted on April 28, 2009Washington courts are offering a one-time amnesty program for folks with unpaid parking tickets and traffic fines. Pay now and they'll waive your late fees.
Cell phone coupons baffle retailers
Posted on April 28, 2009When KOMO aired a report this week about a company that provides an app that lets you download coupons to your mobile phone, I was intrigued. But as the story shows, both consumers and businesses may be ripped off ...As a consumer, would you use coupons if they could be downloaded to your cell? As a business, would you accept a coupon that wasn?t paper?
Cheaper drugs thanks to settlement
Posted on April 27, 2009A new class-action settlement means that thousands of drugs will be less expensive. News sources including KOMO TV reported last week that the prices of more than 1,400 drugs including Lipitor, Claritin, Prilosec, Celebrex and Ambien, will be reduced by 4 percent and some consumers will receive money.
Another warning about extended car warranties
Posted on April 23, 2009The Washington Attorney General?s Office is leading a 40-state investigation into several businesses that send official-looking postcards warning that your car?s warranty recently expired or will soon. ...
CenturyTel-Embarq merger in works
Posted on April 22, 2009Today, the Public Counsel Section of the Washington State Attorney General?s Office joined a multi-party settlement agreement in the proposed merger of CenturyTel and Embarq. The settlement recommends that the state Utilities and Transportation Commission approve the merger subject to a set of conditions to protect consumers served by the phone companies.
Dilbert's frustration with rebates
Posted on April 20, 2009Yesterday's Dilbert cartoon sums up complaints we frequently hear about rebates. ... Do you still buy products with rebates or have you given up?
Spring shredding is here! AG shows how it's done
Posted on April 16, 2009Attorney General Rob McKenna will make a guest appearance Saturday morning at the Better Business Bureau's Secure Your ID Day shred event in Bellevue.
Should there be an Attorney General's Warning on checks?
Posted on April 14, 2009Attorney General Rob McKenna was a guest Tuesday morning on KZOK?s Bob Rivers show. As McKenna talked about all-too-common scams involving fake checks, wire transfers and Craigslist ads, wisecrack Rivers suggested a new prevention strategy ...
Are you on the sucker list?
Posted on April 14, 2009If you've ever become the victim of a scam, you may end up on what's called a "sucker list." But what happens if cons have the wrong number? Unfortunately, as this story from KIRO TV shows, you might still be bombarded with phone calls even if you're not a sucker.
Big jump in scareware from spam
Posted on April 08, 2009A new Microsoft report cites a dramatic increase in scareware programs that warn PC users about purpoted problems then try to sell them a fix through bogus security alerts ...
Other blogs we/I think you should be reading
Posted on April 08, 2009You, consumer-savvy reader, deserve to know what else is going on. So here are other blogs, news feeds, etc. that we/I think you should be reading in addition to All Consuming. Know another good source for consumer protection stories? Share it here.
Music downloads could lead to identity theft
Posted on April 07, 2009The U.S. Attorneys Office has charged a Seattle man with identity theft after he stole documents from computers using LimeWire. ... We've got more info on peer-to-peer file sharing on our site. ...
Feds, states crack down on foreclosure rescue and loan mod scams
Posted on April 06, 2009The Obama administration today announced a new coordinated effort across federal and state agencies and the private sector to target mortgage loan modification fraud and foreclosure rescue scams ...
Financial Literacy Month
Posted on April 03, 2009Gov. Gregoire has declared April as Financial Literacy Month.
Wachovia fined $500,000 for auction rate securities misrepresentations
Posted on April 03, 2009Wachovia will pay a $50 million penalty buy back auction rate securities from investors under a settlement announced this week. ... Investors may be eligible for a buy back ...
Tax breaks for job-hunting costs
Posted on April 02, 2009If you're one of the many unlucky folks out of a job, this might help relieve some of the sting. You can deduct many job-hunting expenses ...
Seattle parking biz overcharged
Posted on April 02, 2009KOMO TV reported today that Republic Parking in Seattle owes refunds to thousands of customers. According to the story, the company blames a computer glitch for causing 12,000 old transactions to be processed again ...
Hot urban legends! Pass it on.
Posted on April 01, 2009Have you heard the warning about criminals who use business cards soaked in a potent street drug to incapacitate their victims? Or that carrying an iPod or cell phone can make lightning strike injuries more severe? In cyberland, every day is April Fool's Day, with hoaxes like these being widely circulated by e-mail...
Quote-worthy: AGO experts in the news
Posted on April 01, 2009In case you missed these news stories, we're sharing them...
The look and sound of a scam
Posted on March 31, 2009What do scams actually look and sound like? NPR recently aired a series of stories on foreclosure scams, phishing and credit repair ploys. ...
Phony Publishers Clearing House letters say you've won
Posted on March 31, 2009If you receive a letter from Publishers Clearinghouse saying you've won $1 million, don't quit your job. The Better Business Bureau says phony letters like this one are arriving in mailboxes across the country.
Loan modification scams claim more victims
Posted on March 27, 2009Two national news reports show the devastating effects of loan modification scams. ...
Dude, don't wait on that Dell refund!
Posted on March 26, 2009If you bought a Dell computer sometime in the past four years and had a problem with financing, technical support, warranty repairs or cashing in a rebate, you may have some money coming. But if you want it, act now, because the April 13 deadline to submit claims is fast approaching...
Hang up on phone scams: new ones making the rounds
Posted on March 26, 2009More phone scams being reported ...
Phony terrorist attacks = real computer attacks
Posted on March 26, 2009There's been an explosion of new scams lately, but this one takes the exposion idea literally. ...
All Consuming blog moderator hits the radio waves
Posted on March 25, 2009I'm not a morning person. But I'll be up early Thursday to talk about the latest consumer scams on Seattle's Ztwins radio stations.
DISH Network sued for skirting telemarketing laws
Posted on March 25, 2009The feds are suing satellite TV giant DISH Network for ringing consumers whose numbers are on the Do Not Call list and for using robocalls ...
Economic scams boom in recession
Posted on March 25, 2009The worst economic downturn in generations has created a perfect storm of financial shocks: evaporating investments, foreclosures and job losses. To add insult to injury, a new generation of thieves increasingly targets the dwindling bank balances of struggling Washington residents...
Unhealthy care: Filing a complaint about a doctor
Posted on March 24, 2009Doctors, nurses and dentists play an important role in our health and safety. ... By reporting possible violations, you can play an important role in protecting the people of Washington. ...
Door-to-door magazine seller offering 'fresh start' isn't a charity
Posted on March 23, 2009If a young person knocks on your door and says they're selling magazines for a charity, wait before reaching for your pocketbook. Fresh Start Opportunities claims that money from the subscriptions will be used to help young people get a ?fresh start on life,? but the company isn?t a registered charity...
Spring break scam: Impersonators pose as students in trouble
Posted on March 23, 2009... Scammers pull information about the students off their online social networking sites, such as Facebook, to accumulate accurate and detailed information about the students? spring break travels. They then call the parents or grandparents and ask for money to cover bail or other emergencies ...
KCTS financial crisis series
Posted on March 23, 2009KCTS 9, the largest public TV station in the Pacific Northwest, recently produced three, one-hour specials to help Washington residents deal with the local effects of the financial crisis ? focusing on unemployment, housing and personal finance. ...
Phone scammers posing as Department of Revenue
Posted on March 20, 2009Scammers posing as employees of the state Department of Revenue are calling Washington businesses. Businesses have received robocalls saying that Department of Revenue has been trying to reach them about their taxes, DOR warned. ...
Free tax help during Super Saturday
Posted on March 19, 2009The Internal Revenue Service and scores of its community partners will open their doors this Saturday, March 21, to help people who need free tax preparation, a question answered or a payment schedule arranged.
Taking charge in tough times -- free seminars
Posted on March 19, 2009Sign-up now to attend a free ?Taking Charge in Tough Times? event and learn how to outsmart investment fraud, stay safer online, guard your identity, protect your retirement savings, cut costs and save money. ...
Witty commercials tout the only free credit report site
Posted on March 19, 2009The Federal Trade Commission hopes to outwit The Martin Agency's catchy FreeCreditReport.com commercials with its own pithy ads touting www.annualcreditreport.com. (View videos)
Are identity theft prevention services worth the cost?
Posted on March 19, 2009We?re often asked whether identity theft protection services are worth the cost. While the Attorney General?s Office neither endorses nor condemns such programs, we are concerned that some charge for work you can do yourself. ...
Are ID theft protection services worth the cost?
Posted on March 19, 2009We?re often asked whether identity theft protection services are worth the cost. While the Attorney General?s Office neither endorses nor condemns such programs, we are concerned that some charge for work you can do yourself. ...
Foreclosure rescue bill update on way to Governor
Posted on March 17, 2009The Attorney General?s Office worked with a bipartisan coalition in 2008 to pass legislation to help protect financially strapped homeowners from equity skimming and foreclosure rescue scams. A bill passed by the Legislature today updates last year?s foreclosure rescue law to make sure that any homeowner who wants to sell their home rather than face foreclosure is able to find a real estate agent...
Consumer protection bill hearings next week
Posted on March 13, 2009A number of Attorney General Rob McKenna?s legislative priorities have survived the March 12 deadline to move out of the legislative house of origin and are scheduled for public hearings next week. These include several bills to safeguard consumers.
Buyer beware at liquidation sales
Posted on March 12, 2009KING 5 interviewed me for a story about liquidation sales.
Be wary of offers to reduce your debt
Posted on March 12, 2009Last week, I answered a call during KHQ?s Help Center from a man who paid $2,000 to a company that promised to help lower his debt. The business reportedly claimed to have a ?secret method that the government doesn?t want you to know about.? While a come-on like that should make you roll your eyes, some other businesses that are more subtle in their approach are just as worthless...
April showers bring free shredders!
Posted on March 11, 2009The season for spring cleaning and filing taxes is a great time to destroy sensitive documents you no longer need. But if the thought of tediously hand-feeding piles of personal papers into your home shredder makes it tough to get motivated, we have a solution...
Florida company sued over free gas vouchers
Posted on March 10, 2009The Washington Attorney General?s All Consuming blog has become a hotspot for gripes about so-called free gas vouchers. Since posting a Nov. 3 warning about the difficulty of redeeming the vouchers, we?ve received 168 comments from consumers throughout the nation who say they haven?t received their promised gas...
Stranger than fiction ? the consumer complaints we remember
Posted on March 09, 2009Sometimes we receive strange calls. I recently asked the volunteers and staff in the office?s four Consumer Resource Centers about their most memorable consumer inquiries. They shared stories ranging from the silly to the bizarre and even grotesque.
Do you really own your online profile and photos?
Posted on March 06, 2009Do you really know what you've agreed to when you post photos or chat with your friends on a social-networking site? The fine folks at SmartMoney.com took a magnifying glass to the fine print on the privacy policies of YouTube, Twitter, MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn, Match...
Promoters of calorie-burning drink told to shape up
Posted on February 26, 2009Enviga was the first drink to boast not zero, but negative calories. But as for the buzz that drinking the carbonated, green tea blend will result in weight loss, attorneys general say the evidence is nada.
AT&T Mobility to refund some cell customers
Posted on February 26, 2009Calling all current and former AT&T Mobility customers: If you have a wireless phone, you may have paid $2.99 per month without your knowledge for a program called Roadside Assistance. If you didn?t use the service and didn?t authorize the addition of the service to your wireless account, you may qualify for a refund under a new settlement.
Celebrity comedians become backseat drivers for new public service campaign
Posted on February 25, 2009You?ve never met a backseat driver quite like the ones portrayed by comedians Rachel Harris, Fred Willard and Rob Riggle as part of a new media campaign aimed at reducing youth reckless driving.
Debt collector to consumer: ?&#@$%*!?
Posted on February 20, 2009The Attorney General?s Office is suing an Everett-based collection agency accused of harassing, threatening and cussing at consumers.
The AGO is a-twitter!
Posted on February 19, 2009Today the Attorney General?s Office launched a twitter site, giving us yet another medium for sharing information with the public. Follow us!
State pulls brakes ? again - on moving company
Posted on February 19, 2009In November 2008, we posted a story about the Utilities and Transportation Commission?s decision to pull the operating permit for All My Sons, a Kent-based moving company. The agency cited deceptive business practices and numerous violations. Apparently the Sons didn?t get the message because they kept right on moving.
Digital TV transition deadline delayed
Posted on February 17, 2009All Consuming has been telling you for months about the need to prepare for the switchover from analog to digital TV. Well, today was supposed to be the big change-a-roo. But Congress and the President pushed back the deadline to June 12 to give consumers a break...
Love bugs: E-cards that carry viruses
Posted on February 13, 2009When it comes to e-mailed Valentines, cupid?s bow may be tipped with poison. We?ve warned you before about why it?s important to use caution when looking for love online, but it?s worth a repeat because those evil electronic cards are making the rounds again...
What you need to know about renter?s insurance
Posted on February 12, 2009Thinking about renting a home? Then you should also be thinking about renter?s insurance.
Safer Internet Day and the fight against techno-crime
Posted on February 10, 2009It's Safer Internet Day. Attorney General Rob McKenna marked the day with a call to action on legislation to protect against technology-wielding criminals. McKenna was flanked by U.S. Attorney Jim McDevitt, sponsors of two bills recommended by his Youth Internet Safety Task Force, Look Both Ways author Linda Criddle and task force members during a press conference Monday at the state Capitol.
Phony insurance agents targeting Hispanic businesses
Posted on February 10, 2009The Washington Attorney General?s Office is alerting residents about a phone scam in which Spanish-speaking callers claim to be representatives of an insurance company.
Online lenders sued for harrassment
Posted on February 09, 2009Online loans are an easy way to get money. But a report by KIRO TV shows that some come with an obnoxiously high price. The story includes interviews with two Washington residents who were hounded by harassing phone calls ? and reported the illegal behavior to the Federal Trade Commission...
Claims that Yaz could cure PMS were bloated, say attorneys general
Posted on February 09, 2009A TV commercial for the Yaz birth control pill showed women singing ?We?re not gonna take it,? while kicking and punching balloons printed with words such as ?irritability,? ?moodiness? and ?bloating.? Alas, suggestions that the Yaz birth control pill could treat premenstrual syndrome and all severities of acne were exaggerated, say a group of 27 attorneys general...
Aid for consumers dunked by BlueHippo
Posted on February 06, 2009Pink elephants may go mysteriously unnoticed, but not BlueHippo. The company, which pitches personal computers to those with less-than-perfect credit, was the target of a federal lawsuit resolved last year. BlueHippo made a splash again when the Washington Attorney General?s Office announced today that it, too, reached a settlement.
Settlements with concrete contractors pave way for consumer refunds
Posted on February 04, 2009A father-and-sons contracting business that built up a heap of customer complaints about shoddy service and unfair billing practices agreed to partial refunds for homeowners under two settlements announced today by the Washington Attorney General?s Office.
Reserve Police Officers Association agrees to stop soliciting donations in Washington
Posted on February 03, 2009A New York-based charity named the Reserve Police Officers Association agreed to stop soliciting donations in Washington under an agreement with the Attorney General?s Office.
State urge feds to push for affordable mortgages
Posted on February 02, 2009Attorney General Rob McKenna joined a group of other attorneys general and state banking regulators in sending a letter urging federal officials to encourage national banks and federal thrift-servicing operations to modify mortgage loans that are becoming unaffordable for consumers.
Coke sued over VitaminWater health claims
Posted on January 29, 2009The Coca-Cola Company has been served notice of a class action lawsuit filed over what the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) says are deceptive and unsubstantiated claims on its VitaminWater line of beverages.
Data Privacy Day occurs during streak of breaches
Posted on January 29, 2009Data Privacy Day slipped right past me yesterday. ... The educational campaign's timing certainly is right. Just last week, payment processor Heartland Payment Systems reported what might be the biggest data-loss incident of all time. Monster.com also had a scary breach...
Attorney General warns of bogus employment scams
Posted on January 26, 2009Unemployed workers in Washington and the rest of the country are targets for crooks posing as headhunters, the Attorney General?s Office warned today. Scams include bogus job offers and realistic-looking e-mail messages that contain links to computer viruses or phishing sites.
Get fit overnight! ... Yeah, right.
Posted on January 26, 2009Your New Year?s resolution is to get fit. But can you really turn a flabby tummy into ripped abs in a short time, like some product ads claim?
Watch out for flood-related scams
Posted on January 22, 2009Washington residents whose homes were damaged by recent floods should watch out for cons, unregistered contractors and flood cars.
Macy's, Nordstrom giving away cosmetics today
Posted on January 20, 2009Macy's and Nordstrom are among the retailers giving away free cosmetics today. The freebies are the result of a 2004 legal settlement in a case that accused cosmetics companies and department stores of price fixing.
Free shredding Jan. 24 in Tacoma
Posted on January 15, 2009The Better Business Bureau is organizing a free community shred event on Saturday, Jan. 24, at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma.
Attorney General sues Colfax couple for equity skimming
Posted on January 15, 2009The Washington Attorney General?s Office is suing a convicted equity skimmer a second time, claiming the Colfax man and his wife ran a real estate investment business that misled distressed homeowners and property investors.
Protect yourself from e-mail hijackers and spoofers
Posted on January 14, 2009In the past few months, there has been an increase in e-mail accounts being hijacked. Cons then use contact information in the victim?s address book to target their friends and family.
AGs reach deal to debug Dell?s customer service
Posted on January 12, 2009Dude, you might have a Dell settlement check coming! Attorney General Rob McKenna announced today an agreement between the Attorneys General of 34 states and Dell under which Dell will provide restitution to customers who experienced problems with the company?s financing promotions, rebate offers, technical support and repair policies.
Virtual credit cards may give online shoppers peace of mind
Posted on January 08, 2009We frequently tell consumers to use a credit card when shopping online and to couple that with a third-party payment service such as PayPal, if possible. But today I learned about a new way to pay. It?s called a single-use, virtual or disposable card.
AG McKenna proposes new consumer protection laws
Posted on January 08, 2009Attorney General Rob McKenna released his 2009 legislative agenda. Proposals to help safeguard consumers include ...
Teens discuss risky behaviors on MySpace
Posted on January 07, 2009New studies shows that more than half of teenagers mention drugs, alcohol, sex or violence on their MySpace pages ? information that may hurt their chances of securing a desirable job or being admitted to a choice college. But experts say getting teens to clean up their pages is possible.
AGs urge Congress for more help for hurting homeowners
Posted on January 06, 2009Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna is joining attorneys general from 21 other states plus the District of Columbia in an effort to convince Congress to loosen bankruptcy rules so judges can modify home loans to help reduce foreclosures.
KB Toys gift cards -- use them, or lose them!
Posted on January 05, 2009If you have a gift card for KB Toys, shop now. The Washington Attorney General?s Office was notified by legal counsel for KB Toys, Inc., that the company is liquidating its stores and will no longer accept gift cards or store credit after Sunday, Jan...
UTC approves Puget Sound Energy sale
Posted on December 31, 2008In a 2-1 opinion, the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission approved the pending sale of Puget Sound Energy for $7.4 billion. The UTC announced Tuesday afternoon that Washington's largest private utility can be sold to New York-based Puget Holdings LLC, a company held by foreign investors.
Charter Cable drops KING-TV
Posted on December 23, 2008Charter Cable will no longer provide its customers with KING-TV?s signal because of a contract dispute.
Scammers claiming to be from your credit card provider
Posted on December 22, 2008Scammers are working the phones yet again, this time identifying themselves as representatives of Quimper Community Federal Credit Union in Port Townsend. ...
Consumer Resource Center phone lines closed
Posted on December 22, 2008The Washington Attorney General's Consumer Resource Center phone lines are closed today, Dec. 22, due to the winter storms. The center can normally be reached at 1-800-551-4636 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays. However, cconsumers may still a title="file a complaint online" href="http://atg...
DISH Network drops Fisher Communications channels
Posted on December 22, 2008The Washington Attorney General?s Office has received complaints from DISH Network customers who are no longer able to receive certain network TV stations in Washington. DISH Network stopped providing their signals as part of a dispute with Seattle-based Fisher Communications after the companies were unable to come to terms on a new contract.
Web scam targets the unemployed
Posted on December 22, 2008The Washington State Employment Security Department issued a warning about an online scam that preys on unemployed workers by offering to help file their claim ? for a fee.
#39;Tis the season for mail theft
Posted on December 18, 2008Thieves are targeting mailboxes this season, hoping to get to your holiday gifts and cash before the intended recipients.
Can I freeze my child?s credit report?
Posted on December 17, 2008With all the attention on a title="child identity theft" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/21/business/21idtheft.html" target="_blank"child identity theft/a, it?s understandable that parents might want to freeze access to the kids? credit files to thwart any harm...
Grounding Airborne - ?Truth in advertising is nothing to sneeze at,? AG says
Posted on December 16, 2008Airborne is the top-selling product in the cold and cough aisles of major retailers. But it?s not a cold-buster, say state attorneys general. Just in time for the sniffling season, attorneys general in 32 states and the District of Columbia announced that they, too, have reached a settlement with the makers of the popular effervescent tablet.
Wachovia bank checks are real
Posted on December 16, 2008Some 740,000 consumers were recently mailed checks for $149 from the U.S. District Court Settlement Administrator in Philadelphia as part of a settlement agreement with Wachovia Bank. They're the real deal.
Wachovia bank settlement - checks are real deal
Posted on December 16, 2008Some 740,000 consumers were recently mailed checks for $149 from the U.S. District Court Settlement Administrator in Philadelphia as part of a settlement agreement with Wachovia Bank. They're the real deal.
States apply heavy hand concerning lead in toys
Posted on December 15, 2008Attorneys general for Washington and 38 other states today announced that they reached a $12 million settlement with Mattel, Inc., and its subsidiary, Fisher-Price, Inc., resolving a 16-month investigation into the events that resulted in the voluntary nationwide recall of nearly 2 million toys for excessive lead paint in 2007.
State officials warn about charity scams during economic crunch
Posted on December 10, 2008Needs are great as the nation faces economic woes. Washington donors looking to help others this season should check a report released today by the Office of Secretary of State and take a good look at where their money is going before they give.
Best car resale values
Posted on December 09, 2008Kelley Blue Book published its Best Resale Value Awards for 2009. The awards are broken down into three categories -- overall top 10, best brand and best in category. You can view the complete list of the winners by clicking here.
Computer germs disguised as holiday greetings
Posted on December 04, 2008Bah Humbug! Or, more specifically, Bah Computer Bug! The FBI reportedly issued a warning about e-mailed holiday cards that contain malware. Such mean-spirited greetings are nothing new; we?ve mentioned them on All Consuming several times.
Some loan modification programs may cost you
Posted on December 04, 2008In part because of the work of state attorneys general in cracking down on fraud in the mortgage industry, more mortgage providers are offering loan modification programs for their customers to help them keep their homes. But we?re worried that some businesses that claim to help are mostly looking to make a buck.
Fake Web coupons rip off buyers and sellers
Posted on December 02, 2008KING 5?s Jesse Jones interviewed me for a story about fake coupons you might accidentally download online. It?s especially timely, as many of us are shopping online for deals during this holiday season.
Cyber Monday shopping tips
Posted on December 01, 2008Cyber Monday, a term coined by the National Retail Federation in 2005 to describe the Monday after the Thanksgiving holiday, is the ceremonial kickoff for the online retail season. If you plan on clicking and saving today, the Attorney General?s Office strongly suggests that you only shop on company sites that you know and trust.
Creator of copycat financial Web site on the hook for violating phishing law
Posted on December 01, 2008The Washington Attorney General?s Office says a Pinole, Calif., man?s mirror-image version of Russell Investments? site violated the state?s anti-phishing law.
Should you really say no to gift cards?
Posted on November 26, 2008I?ve seen quite a few news reports lately warning consumers not to purchase gift cards this season so they don?t get stuck with worthless plastic when a store goes out of business. I?ve also been the recipient of an ominous e-mail that?s been forwarded over and over ...
Federal ?Used Car Rule? needs a tune-up
Posted on November 21, 2008The federal ?Used Car Rule? needs a tune-up. Forty-two attorneys general are asking the Federal Trade Commission to add additional disclosures about a vehicle?s history to the ?Buyer?s Guide? notice displayed on cars available for purchase from dealers.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac suspend foreclosures
Posted on November 20, 2008Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the mortgage-finance companies seized by the U.S. government, will suspend home foreclosures and evictions over the holidays.
All My Sons movers must come to a halt
Posted on November 19, 2008Citing deceptive business practices, the state Utilities and Transportation Commission cancelled the operating permit for Kent-based residential moving company All My Sons, citing deceptive business practices and numerous violations of state regulations...
MyLuvCrush a not-so-sweet nothing
Posted on November 17, 2008Money can?t buy love. But that didn?t stop a Washington-based company from tempting Internet users with the chance to learn the identity of a secret admirer. Unfortunately, any lonely hearts or curious souls who may have bit at Tatto Media, Inc.?s promotion lost out...
?Live rent-free? ad was too good to be true
Posted on November 13, 2008-KIRO TV interviewed me for an investigative report about a too-good-to-be-true classified ad promising the chance to live rent-free as an apartment manager. ...
Attorney General sues Washington business that promised Web hits but struck out in customer service
Posted on November 13, 2008The Washington Attorney General?s Office is suing a Redmond-based seller of e-commerce services whose failed promises to rev up Web traffic for small businesses drove many customers to file complaints. The lawsuit accuses Visible.net, Captures.com and their owner, Gilbert Walker, of violating state consumer protection and telemarketing laws.
Fraud alert: Scam health insurance and Medicare card offers
Posted on November 10, 2008When the economy struggles, fraudulent health insurers work overtime. ... Cons are now calling seniors, claiming to offer a new medical discount card for Medicaid and Medicare patients.
AGs reach agreement with Craigslist to crack down on illegal sex trade ads
Posted on November 06, 2008Attorney General Rob McKenna today announced an agreement with Craigslist in which the online classified site will deter and crack down on inappropriate content and illegal activity in its ?erotic services? section.
Free gas vouchers leave consumers fuming
Posted on November 03, 2008Vouchers offering free gas appeal to not only drivers, but also businesses looking for a low-cost promotional tool to lure potential customers to car dealerships, seminars, etc. But these incentives can be misleading.
Chase-WaMu to provide mortgage relief, help 400,000 avoid foreclosure
Posted on October 31, 2008JPMorgan Chase, WaMu?s new owner, today announced a new loan modification program for borrowers with JPMorgan Chase, WaMu and EMC loans. ...
Stop Zombie PC attacks
Posted on October 31, 2008Beware ? evil Zombies are lurking on the WWW -("wicked" wide Web)! If you don?t protect your PC, yours may become haunted.
Will supermarket shelves look back at you?
Posted on October 30, 2008A Bellevue company that creates touch screens says it?s created a new tool that tracks consumers? faces as they look at interactive displays.
A credit report you probably don't know about
Posted on October 30, 2008We've told you many times how to check your free credit report three times a year but there's another free report you may not know about -- it tracks your negative banking history, if you have one.
ID thieves skimming your info at gas pump and ATM
Posted on October 29, 2008Cons are using credit and debit card skimmers more frequently to steal your account information when you buy gas, settle your restaurant tab or pick up cigarettes.
Massaging beds may feel good, but don?t call them a cure-all
Posted on October 29, 2008A thermal massaging bed might work wonders for a sore back but the Attorney General?s Office says when it comes to hype, manufacturers are limited to promoting their medical products to uses approved by federal regulators. Our Consumer Protection Division announced an agreement today with Ceragem ...
IRS opens hotline for identity theft victims
Posted on October 29, 2008The IRS now has a toll-free number to assist identity theft victims. The new IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit will mark affected accounts so that identity theft issues may be resolved more quickly.
?Made in China? candy may be tainted
Posted on October 28, 2008Fears about the toxic chemical compound melamine, the toxin at the center of China's tainted milk scandal, have many parents understandably concerned.
Law enforcement seek new tools to fight sneakier identity thieves
Posted on October 23, 2008Law enforcement officers, prosecutors and private-sector fraud investigators say new technology and laws are needed to help prevent identity theft crimes in Washington and prosecute increasingly crafty and covert criminals.
Alert: Critical security hazard for MS Windows users
Posted on October 23, 2008If you use Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP or Windows Server 2003, you need to download an important update ASAP!
Modern-day pirates threaten computers & economy
Posted on October 21, 2008It?s estimated that up to a third of all installed computer software is fake or pirated. Today, I joined Microsoft in drawing public attention to this serious threat to consumers, businesses and our economy. ...
Shred events in Everett and Kennewick this week
Posted on October 21, 2008Couple of opportunities to have your personal information destroyed:
Higher credit scores needed for best rates
Posted on October 20, 2008With the crisis in the nation's financial industry, lenders are becoming more stingy with extending credit to applicants. A higher credit score is now needed to qualify for the best interest rates. Here's what the change means to you ...
Pesky debt collectors may not be legit
Posted on October 20, 2008KIRO TV recently interviewed Consumer Protection Chief Doug Walsh for a story about debt collectors who try to collect money you don?t actually owe. ...
Finances out of control? Ask an expert for free help today
Posted on October 20, 2008Certified credit counselors from the nonprofit National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) are fielding questions online today on MSN Money's Ask a Credit Counselor board. ...
Coffee Break: Take back your identity!
Posted on October 20, 2008National Protect Your Identity Week is October 19-25. The Federal Trade Commission?s ?ID Theft FaceOff? game is a fun way to learn basic tips to protect your personal information.
Attorney General says United Home Savers is a misnomer
Posted on October 17, 2008They called themselves ?United Home Savers? and pledged to help homeowners facing foreclosure. But the Attorney General?s Office says a Florida-based business and its owners actually preyed on Washington residents.
30 million consumers victims of fake antivirus software
Posted on October 17, 2008More than 30 million Internet users have fallen victim to fake antivirus programs that grab people's money and personal information, security research firm PandaLabs recently announced. ...
Should you buy cell phone insurance?
Posted on October 16, 2008KING TV interviewed me this week for a report about cell phone insurance. A consumer contacted the station after discovering it would cost her nearly as much to have her phone fixed as it would to simply buy a new one. ...
Copycat YouTube pages carry bad bugs
Posted on October 14, 2008The Associated Press ran a story about fake YouTube pages used to spread viruses. The report warns that even sophisticated users might be taken. ...
FTC socks it to international spam gang
Posted on October 14, 2008The Federal Trade Commission announced today that it shut down the world's largest spam gang, known as "HerbalKings" among spam-fighing organizations. To spread their junk messages, the group used a botnet (a global network of computers infected with malicious software), often without the knowledge of PC owners...
Technical difficulties
Posted on October 10, 2008Why is the main page of the All Consuming blog a blank and where have all those fabulous stories disappeared to?! Well, they still exist. But for now, you'll have to click the links on the right side. Turns out our finicky software system doesn't like when I try to imbed videos on our blog.
Coffee break: Outsmart a cybercrook
Posted on October 10, 2008October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month. In honor of that, we're posting links to fun, educational sites starting with "The Case of the Cyber Criminal," a quiz that plays like a game.
Talking to kids about Internet safety
Posted on October 10, 2008You know it's important to talk to your kids about Internet safety, but how to broach the topic?
Mortgage woes? Attend free workshop Saturday in SeaTac
Posted on October 09, 2008Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna will join housing counselors and loan servicers at a free workshop Saturday geared at helping homeowners find solutions to their mortgage problems. ...
Bank failures and takeovers create Phish-erman's Special
Posted on October 09, 2008Today?s USA Today story about cybercrooks creating fake Web sites and malicious software to take advantage of economic anxiety comes at no surprise to us in the Attorney General?s Consumer Protection Division. ... Experts say people are antsy right now for information and therefore, may be more likely to click without thinking...
Farewell to Lisa B; AGO volunteer opportunities
Posted on October 08, 2008As a volunteer intern with our Consumer Protection and Public Affairs teams, Lisa Borkowski was an occasional voice on All Consuming.
Phone roundup: The truth about unauthorized charges, cell phone directories
Posted on October 08, 2008I apologize for the lack of news on All Consuming these past few weeks while I enjoyed a much-needed vacation. While exploring Italy ? and wearing my money belt to prevent pickpockets from pilfering my Passport or Euros ? All Consuming readers were busily sending their comments and questions...
National AGs release Top 10 Consumer Complaints for 2007
Posted on September 25, 2008Debt collection complaints topped NAAG's 2007 list of consumer complaints, climbing one spot from last year?s list. NAAG also reports auto sales moved up a spot to number two. Home repair and construction dropped two spots from 2006?s top complaint to the number three slot.
Answers to questions about a foreclosure rescue scam mailing
Posted on September 18, 2008A couple weeks ago you may remember reading about how the Attorney General?s Office Consumer Protection Division sent out over 14,000 letters to homeowners to educate them about foreclosure rescue scams. We are getting calls from homeowners who received our letter that have valid concerns...
Grandparent scam hits more victims
Posted on September 15, 2008Consumers in our state continue to be targeted by Canadian crooks posing as grandchildren in trouble.
Destroy sensitive papers at Puget Sound shred events
Posted on September 15, 2008Puget Sound residents have several options this fall to shred sensitive documents at no charge.
Warning about TicketsMyWay.com
Posted on September 12, 2008The most frequent gripe we hear from consumers who bought concert or sports tickets online is the hefty service fees that these companies sometimes charge. But a business named TicketsMyWay.com appears to have a questionable policy to punish consumers who try to dispute charges for tickets they paid for but never received.
Settlement drives home message that car dealers must be ethical
Posted on September 11, 2008The Washington State Attorney General?s Office hopes an agreement with two Eastern Washington businesses will drive home an important message to all car dealers: When encouraging buyers to sign on the dotted line, employees must play it straight.
Attorney General grinds down on motorcycle parts dealer
Posted on September 11, 2008A Klickitat County couple who sold motorcycle parts on the Internet are accused of taking their customers for a ride.
Washington AG warns about double-click divorces
Posted on September 10, 2008In an era of drive-through wedding chapels and even quicker divorces, it?s still possible to reach a roadblock. ...
What the Fannie and Freddie seizure means to consumers
Posted on September 08, 2008The federal government seized control of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in an effort to rescue the troubled mortgage companies.
Elderly ripped off by relatives
Posted on September 05, 2008A story about a financial scam ... new state proposals to protect vulnerable adults ... and signs of financial abuse ...
Minimum purchase for credit card use?
Posted on September 05, 2008How many times have you popped into the convenience store to grab a snack or something to help your headache and found yourself short on cash? As you handed over your credit card, the clerk pointed to a sign on the register that said you must spend a certain amount (at least $5, for example) to use plastic...
News of Social Security payment cards means cons may be calling
Posted on September 04, 2008The Attorney General?s Office is warning Washington residents that they should not provide Social Security numbers, bank accounts or other personal information to callers claiming to be from the government.The U.S. Treasury Department announced today that more than 2 million Social Security recipients in a dozen Western states, including Washington, will receive information about the Direct Express Debit MasterCard along with their monthly checks this month...
Back to School Safety Tips
Posted on September 04, 2008Ding Ding Ding! The school bell is ringing again, and most kids are back in the classrooms; or they will be soon. Besides all the new clothes and long lists of school supplies you have been buying, there are other things you and your family can do to make the school year a success...
Dirty deeds: AG raises the red flag on foreclosure fraud
Posted on September 04, 2008Rising mortgage payments have paved the way for scammers who peruse foreclosure listings. Grasping at any offer for help, their victims have paid for false promises, been cheated out of equity and, in severe cases, were tricked into transferring ownership of their homes...
Freeze Flash! Washington credit freeze law just got better
Posted on September 03, 2008Credit freezes are hot with consumer advocates concerned about identity theft and privacy protections. Starting this week, Washington residents have even more control over their credit files thanks to changes that are also helping more retailers warm up to the law...
FCC coming to town to teach about DTV
Posted on September 03, 2008Curious what the transition from analog to digital TV means to you? Hear it from the experts at the Federal Communications Commission next month when they visit our state for three public workshops.
Credit and debit card blocking can sour weekend travels - so be careful!
Posted on August 29, 2008Traveling this holiday weekend? You should be aware of credit and debit card blocking and plan the finances for your trip accordingly.
Beware of a new Facebook Virus
Posted on August 29, 2008There is a virus circulating the web right now that is targeting Facebook users. This virus is being spread through a well-disguised e-mail that appears to be a video from a friend.
Find a good electrician before you need one
Posted on August 28, 2008KING TV's report about an 82-year-old woman who paid an unregistered contractor $579 for a furnace repair is good example of why you must check out businesses you hire for emergency fixes ...Talk about it: What resources help you determine which professionals to hire?
Is your coupon a fake?
Posted on August 27, 2008Fake online coupons are becoming a growing problem, shortchanging both shoppers and businesses ...Talk about it: Have you had any trouble redeeming printable coupons? Does your business accept them?
To reach a human, press ?
Posted on August 26, 2008These are two of the coolest Web sites we?ve seen in a while! They offer ?cheat sheets? of prompts to help you circumvent a potentially maddening or time-consuming phone tree and speak to an actual human ...
A warning about used car ?curbstoners?
Posted on August 26, 2008Q13 TV recently aired a story about a man who bought a car he found on Craigslist. He thought it was a good deal until he went to the Department of Licensing to get his title. Turned out the VIN number didn?t match up with the license plate.
Buying winter heating oil now may not save much
Posted on August 25, 2008Americans will pay more to heat their homes this winter, analysts predict, and buying your heating oil in advance may not save you much. Locking in a preseason rate for winter fuel comes with risks ...
What?s on your mind?
Posted on August 22, 2008You can now post your comments to ?All Consuming.? We welcome your thoughts on tidbits you read here and related consumer protection issues.
Power of compromise: proposed pact would mean smaller rate hikes for PSE customers
Posted on August 22, 2008Our Public Counsel Section today announced a proposed pact that would mean smaller electric and gas rate increases for Puget Sound Energy customers than those originally requested by the company.
Salem car dealership nabbed for illegally packing contracts
Posted on August 22, 2008Here is another important lesson to remember when buying a car ? beware of ?packing? or ?loading.? ?Packing? or ?loading? payments is a practice used in the auto industry to get consumers to pay for additional products, such as warranties or service contracts by hiding the costs, or not revealing that consumers were not required to purchase these additional items.
Parents pay the price for teens? cell use
Posted on August 20, 2008Yet another Puget Sound parent was hit with a whopping cell phone bill. ... Does your kid have a cell phone? How do you regulate use?
FTC pulls plug on telemarketer robocalls
Posted on August 19, 2008The agency that brought you the enormously popular ?Do Not Call? registry today announced new rules banning ?robocalls? from telemarketers.
Spoofed MSNBC and CNN headlines will infect computers
Posted on August 18, 2008Spammers are using e-mails that appear to be from MSNBC.com and CNN to try to trick recipients into visiting Web sites laden with malware.
Lemon drop costs Fife dealership
Posted on August 12, 2008Lemon aid is on its way to 79 car buyers whose secondhand Hummers and Cadillac Escalades didn?t come equipped with a must-have feature ? a notice that the cars were reacquired by their manufacturer under California?s Lemon Law then resold in Washington.
I spy spyware, spam and scams
Posted on August 12, 2008The Washington Attorney General?s Office is at the frontlines in the fight against online fraud, according to a new report by the Center for American Progress and the Center for Democracy and Technology. ...
Be wise- don't false advertise!
Posted on August 08, 2008Washington's Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) are cracking down on false advertisers- make sure you don't become a victim of it!
Olympic ticket scam
Posted on August 08, 2008Be careful where you purchase your Olympic tickets, they may turn out to be bogus.
Watch your meter!
Posted on August 07, 2008It is important to check your meter to avoid confusion and billing issues with your utility.
Telephone scammers pretending to represent Kitsap Credit Union
Posted on August 07, 2008Telephone scammers are on the loose again, this time pretending to represent Kitsap Credit Union and calling hundreds of Washington residents asking for card numbers, expiration dates, and PIN numbers.
New web content on foreclosures
Posted on August 01, 2008There is now new content here on our AGO website regarding foreclosure! ... This fall, the Consumer Protection Division will be sending out an official letter to homeowners facing foreclosure warning them about foreclosure rescue scams. ...
Teens as major consumers?
Posted on August 01, 2008Teens are considered major consumers these days, so it's important to read up on some tips on how to protect yourself from consumer fraud!
Is an online degree legit or worthwhile?
Posted on July 31, 2008Several news stories have us thinking about the future of online education and how consumers may be impacted. ? With both legitimate colleges and diploma mills heavily advertising heavily online, how is the average Joe or Jill to know which courses are worthwhile? ?
Personal documents ? Keep or Shred?
Posted on July 30, 2008When sorting through dusty file boxes or the pile of papers on your desk, it?s easy to become confused as to which records you need to keep and those you should shred.
FWD: FWD: WARNING! Tell Everyone!
Posted on July 29, 2008This week, a well-meaning relative forwarded me a widely circulated e-mail warning about robbers who use ether-filled perfume bottles to render their victims unconscious.
Scam alert: ID thief poses as debt repairer
Posted on July 29, 2008A Kent woman called this morning about a phone call she received from someone claiming to help her repair her debt.
Lemon Law celebrates 21 years
Posted on July 23, 2008Washington has arguably the best Lemon Law in the nation. Staff in the Attorney General?s Seattle office celebrated the program's 21st anniversary today with a citrus-themed social featuring lemon tarts, lemonade and a contest to create the best lemon car...
Four years for 'Spam King' Soloway
Posted on July 22, 2008"Spam King" Robert Soloway was sentenced to nearly four years in prison today.
When buying cars or goods in other states, remember Washington?s use tax
Posted on July 22, 2008You might have seen recent news reports about the new so-called ?Internet tax.? Starting July 1, Washington joined 18 other states in requiring some e-commerce businesses to collect sales tax. Tax will be collected based on the location of the buyer, not the seller...
AG's new Internet safety site covers online gaming to senior dating
Posted on July 22, 2008The Attorney General?s Office, in partnership with national Internet safety expert Linda Criddle, recently updated its Internet Safety Web pages to better inform youth, adults, teachers and seniors about how to reduce risk online. ...
FDA lifts warning on tomatoes
Posted on July 18, 2008According to the FDA, it is now safe to eat all kinds of tomatoes again.
Free ring tones may come with hidden costs
Posted on July 17, 2008Many Web sites advertise free ring tones. But are they really free?
Free website lets you know if car was stolen or totaled
Posted on July 16, 2008The National Insurance Crime Bureau recently unveiled a database of vehicles that were stolen, but not recovered, or declared totaled by insurers. And you can search it for free! ...
Saving on Rx drugs -- risks and deals
Posted on July 15, 2008A recent study found that 85 percent of Web sites that sold prescription drugs directly to consumers didn?t require a doctor?s prescription. ... The Attorney General?s Office has a new Prescription Drug Pricing site...
Judge ponders prison time for 'Spam King'
Posted on July 15, 2008A federal judge is apparently having a difficult time determining an appropriate penalty for ?Spam King? Robert Soloway.
Bonnie of 'Bonnie and Clyde' ID thieves pleads guilty
Posted on July 15, 2008Justice caught up to a 22-year-old identity thief on Monday on Philidelphia. Jocelyn Kirsch, a former Drexel University student, pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft and other federal charges. ...
Call forwarding scam a favorite for inmates
Posted on July 09, 2008Inmates have discovered a sneaky way to trick consumers into paying for long-distance phone calls ? often to foreign countries. The "call forwarding" or "*72" scam has been around for years but many consumers don?t know about it.
?Grandparent scam? targets Washington elderly again
Posted on July 09, 2008If your grandchild called seeking help, would you send money? The Washington Attorney General?s Office is warning Washington residents about the ?grandparent scam,? where cons posing as relatives try to convince elderly victims to wire cash to help pay for emergency car repairs, medical bills ? or even post bail.
FAQ about Washington?s new distressed homeowner law
Posted on July 07, 2008A new state law proposed by the Washington Attorney General?s Office to help protect financially strapped homeowners from equity skimming and foreclosure rescue scams became effective in Washington on June 12 ...
FTC survey - Do current laws help ID theft victims?
Posted on July 07, 2008The Federal Trade Commission plans to survey identity theft victims to inquire about their experiences when they contacted credit reporting agencies for help. ...
Banking by phone? Zip your lip in public.
Posted on July 01, 2008Banking by phone is convenient, but some folks carelessly share their private financial information within range of eavesdroppers. ...
State gas tax increases today
Posted on July 01, 2008Washington's gas tax increased today by a penny-and-a-half to 37.5 cents a gallon. Here are tips to help you spend less at the pump.
Free: TransUnion credit monitoring and score
Posted on June 27, 2008TransUnion reached a preliminary agreement in a class action lawsuit last month, under which millions of consumers will get their credit score and up to nine months of credit-monitoring service for free. ...
States accuse Countrywide of predatory lending
Posted on June 26, 2008Gov. Chris Gregoire and the state Department of Financial Institutions have accused Countrywide Financial Corp. of discriminating against minority borrowers ...
Washington woman sentenced in fake check scam
Posted on June 26, 2008An Olympia, Wash., woman was sentenced Wednesday to two years in prison for her role in an counterfeit check scam ...
Ebay adds fraud protection for PayPal users
Posted on June 24, 2008EBay is promising full protection for buyers who pay for items using its PayPal system....
More on the digital TV switch -- and misleading ads!
Posted on June 24, 2008As we?ve mentioned on All Consuming, TV is going digital. ... But an Ohio-based company called Universal TechTronics is running misleading ads promising a free a digital converter box.
Former smoke shop owner guilty of debit-card scam
Posted on June 20, 2008A former smoke shop owner pleaded guilty in federal court to skimming information from debit and credit cards belonging to 300 victims, the Seattle P-I reported.
Expired tires can lead to a blowout
Posted on June 10, 2008Your tires, like the cans in your pantry, have an expiration date. If your wheels aren?t fresh, you may be headed for a blowout.
Dying hard drive? Try the freezer.
Posted on June 10, 2008While working on a late-night deadline assignment several years ago, I spilled a glass of water on my office laptop. The liquid flowed through the keyboard into the circuitry. Suddenly, the screen went black. Then an ugly image appeared ...
Phony escrow companies take your money and run
Posted on June 03, 2008Better Business Bureau (BBB) headquarters issued a warning this week to online car shoppers: Watch out for phony escrow services.
States take stance on product safety standards
Posted on May 28, 2008Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna today urged members of Congress to adopt legislation that would increase the ability of state attorneys general to protect consumers from lead-tainted products ...
Make sure your limo is licensed
Posted on May 23, 2008It's prom and wedding season. If you plan to hire a limo or town car to celebrate, make sure it's licensed and legitimate, says the state Department of Licensing.
Miracle fuel boost? ?Just add water?
Posted on May 21, 2008Have you seen ads claiming you can increase your car?s gas mileage at least 25 percent by purchasing devices and then simply adding water?
?Baby, You Ought to be in Pictures? - ? Evading Modeling and Acting Scams
Posted on May 21, 2008Think you or your kid has what it takes to become the next Covergirl or Hollywood sensation? Some so-called ?talent scouts? are more interested in your money than your talent. Read today?s Ask the AG column to learn how the industry works and help meet a legitimate talent agent in our market.
Comparison of local grocery prices
Posted on May 21, 2008Do those grocery ?rewards? cars actually save you money? KING 5?s Tim Robinson visited QFC, Metropolitan Market and Safeway in Seattle and bought the same eight items at each store ? chicken, spaghetti sauce, pasta, milk, eggs, bread, pizza and soda.
Recognizing a phone scam
Posted on May 20, 2008Can you recognize a phone fraudster? The Federal Trade Commission today announced a new consumer education campaign named "Who's Calling?" that aims to combat telemarketing scams ...
FTC's major telemarketing fraud crackdown
Posted on May 20, 2008The Federal Trade Commission today announced its largest telemarketing fraud sweep ever. Called ?Operation Tele-PHONEY,? the crackdown includes 180 criminal and civil cases involving advance-fee loan offers, sweepstakes pitches, ?free? gifts, prescription drug plans, bogus tax rebates and scams where consumers were sent households goods they never ordered ...
Major FTC crackdown on telemarketing fraud
Posted on May 20, 2008The Federal Trade Commission today announced its largest telemarketing fraud sweep ever. Called ?Operation Tele-PHONEY,? the crackdown includes 180 criminal and civil cases involving advance-fee loan offers, sweepstakes pitches, ?free? gifts, prescription drug plans, bogus tax rebates and scams where consumers were sent households goods they never ordered...
Don't ignore a parking ticket on a private lot
Posted on May 20, 2008Ever since our 2007 case with Parking Enforcement Services, our office receives questions from drivers concerning whether they can be ?ticketed? when they park on private property.
Son's $ 5,174 cell phone bill includes a good lesson
Posted on May 19, 2008A KOMO news report about a mom whose son ran up a $5,174 cell phone bill includes a good lesson. According to the story, the consumer didn?t pay to block Internet access because her son had agreed not to use his phone online.
Your gift card may be in Chapter 11
Posted on May 19, 2008Gift cards are convenient and extremely popular. But consumers who don?t plan to use gift cards quickly may be throwing away their money. ...
Save while using your cell overseas
Posted on May 09, 2008Here's a useful article from the Columbia Tribune in Missouri ? via the Missouri AG?s Consumer Corner blog -- on how to save money when using your cell phone in another country.
Parents reminded to view video game ratings; Grand Theft Auto IV controversy
Posted on May 09, 2008?Grand Theft Auto IV? sold 6 million copies in its first week. Parents whose kids are begging them to buy what has quickly become the most popular video game or other games, for that matter, are reminded to read ratings to ensure that content is suitable for their children ...
Traveling sales - the job ad might not tell the full story
Posted on May 08, 2008Here?s a warning, via the Better Business Bureau, for students looking for summer work. A classified ad that reads, "travel the nation, high pay, all transportation and expenses paid," may seem too good to be true, and it probably is.
Free pizza for a VISA? College kids wooed by offers
Posted on May 08, 2008Credit card companies are wooing college students with everything from free pizza and T-shirts to airline miles and an iPod shuffle in exchange for filling out a credit application.
Agreement to help protect kids on Facebook
Posted on May 08, 2008Facebook has agreed to take significant steps to better protect children on its Web site. Attorneys general nationwide signed an agreement with Facebook, in which they emphasize their shared goal of protecting children from inappropriate content and unwanted contact by adults.
Stimulus check scams
Posted on May 07, 2008Always eager to latch on to the latest issue, cons are trying to pass themselves off as the IRS and sending phishing messages like this one titled ?Economic Stimulus Refund Program? that came to our Ask the AG e-mail address.
Scam alert: Cons posing as utility workers
Posted on May 07, 2008Seattle City Light is warning customers about a recent telephone scam. At least four customers have reported phone calls from people claiming to be Seattle City Light employees.
Use Internet for phone calls? Make sure you can be found in an emergency
Posted on May 07, 2008A warning to anyone who uses the Internet for phone service: make sure that your service provider knows your current address.
Tax return identity theft
Posted on May 06, 2008A Bellevue resident discovered that someone fraudulently filed her tax return and received a $34,000 refund, according to this frightening article in the Seattle P-I.
Feds propose credit card and overdraft protections
Posted on May 06, 2008The Federal Reserve Board on Friday proposed rules to prohibit unfair practices regarding credit cards and overdraft services. The rules would protect consumers from unexpected increases in the rate charged on pre-existing credit card balances and offer consumers some protections on overdraft charges.
Free forums offer help for manufactured home owners and landlords
Posted on May 06, 2008A new state government program is helping resolve disputes between manufactured home owners and their landlords. A statewide tour titled ?Don?t Move It; Solve It,? is educating homeowners and landlords about their legal rights and how the Attorney General?s Office can help them resolve problems...
Internet affiliate advertisers violated Washington spyware law
Posted on May 02, 2008It?s been a busy week for the Attorney General?s Consumer Protection High-Tech Fraud Unit, which announced three wins this week alone.
Free spam and telemarketing calls! 100% legit! Act now!!!
Posted on May 02, 2008Totally Free Flatscreen TV/LCD Monitor! ABSOLUTELY FREE GIFT CARDS! Caribbean Vacation - All Expenses Paid!!! You can have it all for nothing! And it?s so easy! All you have to do is complete an online survey. Or sign up for a trial subscription for some service...
Phishing attack targets CEOs with fake subpoena
Posted on April 23, 2008High-ranking business executives across the country have received e-mail messages in recent weeks that appear to be official subpoenas from the United States District Court in San Diego.
Free shredding, ID theft forum Friday in Redmond
Posted on April 22, 2008Attorney General Rob McKenna, a representative from AARP and others will be in Redmond this Friday for the second leg of our popular GUARD-IT! Washington identity theft tour. Come learn how to protect yourself or your business. Frontline will be on site to destroy sensitive documents for consumers and small businesses at no charge.
How to spend less at the gas pump
Posted on April 17, 2008Attorney General Rob McKenna today released the final results from the state?s year-long investigation into gas prices. ... Here are tips to help you spend less money on gas...
Internet Advancement to refund small business customers
Posted on April 09, 2008A Washington-based company that sells search-engine optimization services to small businesses is prohibited from selling or advertising them to new customers and must permit cancellation of existing contracts, according to a settlement announced Tuesday by Attorney General Rob McKenna...
Free shredding, ID theft forum tomorrow in Wenatchee
Posted on April 09, 2008Attorney General Rob McKenna, Federal Trade Commission Regional Director Chuck Harwood and others will be in Wenatchee tomorrow, April 10, for the second leg of our popular GUARD-IT! Washington identity theft tour.
TJ Maxx, Siesint settle federal data breach charges
Posted on March 31, 2008TJX, the parent company of retailers T.J. Maxx and Marshalls and data brokers Reed Elsevier and Seisint reached settlements with the Federal Trade Commission last week in two unrelated data breach cases. ... The Attorney General's Office encourages businesses to read this guide for protecting personal information.
Speak up about PSE and NW Natural Gas rate increases
Posted on March 31, 2008Puget Sound Energy and Northwest Natural Gas customers have an opportunity to tell state regulators what they think about proposed utility rate increases ...
New program helps manufactured homeowners and landlords resolve disputes
Posted on March 26, 2008A new state government program is helping resolve disputes between manufactured home owners and their landlords. ... Homeowners, landlords and property managers can learn more by attending one of our free ?Don?t Move It; Solve It? public forums. ...
Are you vulnerable to Windows Messenger pop-ups?
Posted on March 25, 2008If your computer is running Microsoft Windows and you haven?t downloaded on the latest patches and updates, you may be vulnerable to a type of scam that uses Windows Messenger Service pop-ups. We filed a lawsuit today accusing a Scottsdale, Ariz., man of coercing consumers to buy software to block computer pop-ups by first bombarding them with ads for pornography and Viagra...
Identity theft prevention for travelers
Posted on March 24, 2008Whether you?re traveling for business or pleasure, you need to protect your identity just as you would your valuables. Thieves are just as likely to target your personal information as your expensive camera or laptop. Attorney General Rob McKenna offers tips for travelers in his newest Ask the AG column...
Two more high-tech crooks down
Posted on March 21, 2008In case you missed the news, two high-profile Internet crooks appeared in federal court in Seattle in the past few days. Spam King? Robert Alan Soloway pleaded guilty. ... Gregory Kopiloff was sentenced to four years in prison. ... The Seattle P-I ran an interesting article about the rise of Seattle as a hub for spam-related lawsuits ...
ValueClick to Pay $2.9 Million to Settle FTC Charges
Posted on March 21, 2008We've warned you before about so-called freebies. Now online advertiser ValueClick, Inc., will pay a record $2.9 million to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that its advertising claims and e-mails were deceptive and violated federal law. ...
Free homeownership counseling
Posted on March 14, 2008Free homeownership counseling is now available to Washington residents, thanks to $1.5 million earmarked by this year's Legislature to help educate residents about mortgages, refinancing, foreclosures and avoiding scams ...
Storybook Lane to refund consumers nationwide for children?s décor
Posted on March 12, 2008Storybook Lane, an online company that sells home décor for children?s bedrooms, must refund consumers nationwide under a settlement with the Washington State Attorney General?s Office ...
News media peek inside our Consumer Resource Center
Posted on March 11, 2008As part of our mission to protect the people of Washington, the Attorney General's Office provides informal mediation between consumers and businesses at no cost to either party. ... Last Friday, in conjunction with National Consumer Protection Week, we invited reporters to tour our Consumer Resource Center in Seattle...
CP Week Tip of the Day: Hiring a reputable contractor
Posted on March 07, 2008Whether you?re remodeling your home, building a new one or just need a replacement water heater, you?re likely going to need a contractor. Whether it?s a long-term home improvement project or an in-and-out emergency repair, you should give some serious thought to who you hire ...
CP Week Tip of the Day: Get a fair deal on your next car
Posted on March 06, 2008Consumers often think that there?s a timeframe in which they can return a car or other major purchase. But contrary to popular belief, there is no cooling-off period or refund right on an auto sale. When buying a car, you are most likely to get a fair deal ...
CP Week Tip of the Day: Five car sales scams to avoid
Posted on March 06, 2008Buying a car can be exciting and somewhat intimidating, considering it?s the most significant purchase you?ll make other than a home. But it shouldn?t be a bad experience. ...
Six tips to make you a wiser consumer
Posted on March 05, 2008Consumerman Herb Weisbaum reveals his six tips for being a smarter consumer in this top-notch MSNBC article. Read his sage advice and implant it firmly in your noggin and you?ll cut your risk of being conned ...
Heading off dangerous toys at the ports
Posted on March 05, 2008Some 25 million toys were recalled last year due to high lead content and other safety problems. Now, the Consumer Product Safety Commission hopes to intercept many of those toys and other potentially hazardous goods before they reach store shelves ....
CP Week Tip of the Day: Shopping online? Read the small print at checkout
Posted on March 05, 2008Washington residents like to shop, but our records show they don?t always have a positive experience. ... Complaint analysts in our Consumer Resource Centers say they frequently hear disputes over refund policies and shipping costs. ... But consumers could avoid many unpleasant surprises if they take the initiative ...
CP Week Tip of the Day: Debt collectors fall into 2 categories ? legit and bogus
Posted on March 04, 2008Collections agencies climbed to the No. 2 spot last year on the Attorney General?s list of consumer complaint categories. ... If the trend continues, collections will take over the top spot in 2008. Collection agencies fall into two general categories ? legit and deceptive...
Do your know what your home insurance policy covers?
Posted on March 04, 2008Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler is urging consumers to check their homeowners insurance. ?In the wake of last year?s storms and flooding, many consumers found out the hard way that they did not have adequate insurance coverage,? Kreidler said in a news release...
Insurance companies overcharged Washington consumers
Posted on March 03, 2008The Washington Insurance Commissioner?s Office announced today that it fined a bunch of insurance companies for a range of violations including overcharging Washington consumers and illegally selling annuitities. ...
Don?t be suckered by investment scams
Posted on March 03, 2008The state Department of Financial Institutions recently identified 10 investment scams as the most likely to trap Washington investors ...
CP Week Tip of the Day: Choosing a cell phone plan
Posted on March 03, 2008The Attorney General?s Consumer Protection Division released its annual Top 20 list of consumer complaint categories today in conjunction with National Consumer Protection Week. Each day this week, we?ll post a tip related to industries that receive the most complaints...
Choosing a tax preparer
Posted on February 27, 2008It's tax season again. According to a Better Business Bureau (BBB) analysis, nearly one-third of complaints against tax preparation companies allege that the preparer made an error or mistake in the tax return, often requiring the consumer to pay fines or added fees to rectify the problem...
Car tab renewal scam
Posted on February 22, 2008Watch out for a new scam targeting Washington car owners. Cons posing as Department of Licensing representatives are contacting folks and telling them their vehicle tabs are expired. They then ask for credit card information ...
Refunds for mail-order pantyhose
Posted on February 22, 2008The manufacturer of Silkies hosiery will pay $455,000 to settle a case with Washington and 14 other states regarding the company?s marketing and sales practices. ... Under an agreement filed late Thursday in Thurston County Superior Court, HCI Direct agreed to pay $455,000 to the states, change its marketing practices and refund consumers who claim they did not order merchandise shipped by the company...
AG claims Mandatory Poster Agency violated state consumer laws
Posted on February 15, 2008A company that allegedly deceived Washington businesses into purchasing labor law and safety posters is prohibited from mailing future advertisements that appear to originate from government-affiliated agencies. Mandatory Poster Agency, Inc., of Lansing, Mich...
AG McKenna to host town hall for Latino consumers
Posted on February 15, 2008Attorney General Rob McKenna invites the Latino community to attend a free town hall meeting on Friday, Feb. 22, in Pasco to learn more about the office?s work on identity theft, car sales, notarios and other consumer protection issues. The meeting will be conducted in Spanish and English, with real-time interpreting...
Use caution looking for love online
Posted on February 14, 2008A Valentine?s Day e-card that infects your computer, cons who pose as online suitors and a futuristic software program that tricks you into revealing personal information are just a few of the hazards lurking online. The Washington Attorney General?s Office urges Internet users to be skeptical and take precautions to avoid Cupid?s arrow from hitting their wallets or poisoning their PCs...
FTC report shows fewer Washington consumers reporting ID theft
Posted on February 13, 2008The Federal Trade Commission released its annual fraud and identity theft report today. Washington slipped down the ranks to 13th in the nation for identity theft complaints per capita last year ... but we bumped up to 2nd in the country for overall fraud complaints ...
More foreclosure help for struggling borrowers
Posted on February 12, 2008Countrywide Financial Corp. and the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, better known as ACORN, announced a plan Monday to help distressed borrowers avoid foreclosure. Meanwhile, White House officials announced "Project Lifeline" and Attorney General Rob McKenna?s requested legislation to reduce foreclosure rescue scams survived today's committee cutoff ...
CM Travel to refund job applicants
Posted on February 12, 2008CM Travel, based in Bellevue, must refund individuals who answered an employment ad for travel agents but instead were offered opportunities as independent contractors. The Attorney General?s Office announced a settlement today with company and its owners, resolving allegations that they violated ...
FTC turns tables on phishing scam; cons now ask you to call local numbers
Posted on February 07, 2008Kudos to the staff at the Federal Trade Commission?s regional office in Seattle for turning the tables on an attempted phishing scam. ... Cons have now altered their messages to ask recipients to call a local ?customer service? number instead ...
Report finds delinquent borrowers not receiving help to prevent foreclosure
Posted on February 07, 2008Seven out of 10 borrowers who were seriously delinquent on their home loans in October were not receiving help to prevent the possibility of foreclosure, according to a report published Thursday the State Foreclosure Prevention Working Group. ...
Washington sues precious metals dealer for deceptive sales practices
Posted on February 06, 2008The Washington Attorney General?s Office filed suit today against an Auburn business that sold precious metals online but allegedly failed to deliver the items by the promised date. The complaint filed in King County Superior Court also alleges ...
Can a mechanic refuse to do business with my insurance company?
Posted on February 04, 2008A consumer wrote, ?I recently visited a Seattle auto body shop for a repair estimate. They told me they only work with specific insurance companies ...
Three new identity theft scams happening right now
Posted on February 01, 2008Identity thieves keep hatching new ways to trick folks into revealing personal information. Here are three new twists on telemarketing and e-mail fraud occuring in our state ...
Send me less junk mail!
Posted on February 01, 2008Hate junk mail? Several services including the Direct Marketing Association?s newly revamped Web site allow you to remove your address from mailing lists for catalogs and more. See Attorney General Rob McKenna?s latest column for ...
Intelius abandons cell phone directory
Posted on February 01, 2008RCR Wireless News reported that Bellevue-based Intelius, Inc., shelved its cell phone directory service after being battered by public officials, corporate executives and consumers over privacy ...
Resist too-good-to-be-true investment offers
Posted on January 29, 2008The state Department of Financial Institutions is reminding investors not to allow recent negative economic news and stock market volatility to lead them into high-risk speculative investments ...
Why rebates go unfulfilled
Posted on January 24, 2008U.S. News & World Reports recently published an article titled "Why Shoppers Love to Hate Rebates" that helps explain why so many rebates go unfulfilled. Here?s an ...
Auto dealers should choose ad firms carefully -- or risk being sued
Posted on January 24, 2008Washington auto dealers need to pick their business partners carefully. The Attorney General?s Consumer Protection Division today announced our third settlement in recent months involving car advertisements. We?re seeing an increase in out-of-state firms ...
Drug makers take Vytorin ads off the air
Posted on January 23, 2008Drug makers Merck & Co. and Schering-Plough Corp. have suspended TV ads for Vytorin, a week after a study revealed the cholesterol drug is no more effective than a high dose of one of its components available generically at a third of the cost ...
E-mail claiming to be from IRS is a scam
Posted on January 22, 2008If you receive an e-mail from the IRS suggesting your tax refund has been delayed, don?t click on the reply link. It?s a phishing scam ...
AT&T to refund consumers for collect calls made by prisoners
Posted on January 22, 2008The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission is requiring AT&T to pay thousands of dollars in refunds to families of prison inmates who were overcharged for collect phone calls placed from two Eastern Washington state prisons ...
Learn how to pick a contractor
Posted on January 16, 2008Planning to do a remodel on your home? Labor and Industries is attending home shows statewide to educate homeowners about how to check out contractors. The Attorney General's Office received more than 800 complaints last year about contractors. Be smart and choose wisely so you don't end up paying too much or fixing someone's shoddy work.
Feds want to know what you think of credit freezes
Posted on January 10, 2008The Federal Trade Commission is seeking comments on the impact and effectiveness of credit freezes as part of a multi-pronged approach to combat identity theft ...
How difficult is it to steal from your bank account?
Posted on January 10, 2008What happens when an identity thief has your bank account number? A British TV reporter wanted to find out. ...
AG McKenna requests consumer protection laws
Posted on January 04, 2008Attorney General Rob McKenna released his 2008 legislative agenda yesterday, including several important consumer protection initiatives. McKenna's agenda includes bills to guard Washington residents from identity theft, protect consumers ...
Phishing scam targets Facebook users
Posted on January 03, 2008A story from Wired Magazine, via the Seattle P-I, warns that hackers for the first time are targeting Facebook users in a scam that harvests their log-in details and passwords ...
Notices from National Business Registration are likely a scam
Posted on January 03, 2008The Secretary of State?s Office recently alerted Washington businesses to watch out for a possible scam involving a company named National Business Registration that has sent notices ...
Don't be tricked by car warranty notices
Posted on January 02, 2008The official-looking postcard in your mailbox warns that your car?s warranty is about to expire and urges you to call a toll-free number to ensure you?re covered. But think twice before you dial. These mailers are actually advertisements aimed at pressuring you into buying an expensive service contract ...
Will you still be able to watch TV next year?
Posted on January 02, 2008If you?re one of those folks who still uses an antenna or rabbit ears on top of your television, pay attention ...
Exercise your consumer smarts when joining a gym or diet program
Posted on December 31, 2007You ate the holiday ham, devoured Grandma?s pumpkin pie and plunged wholeheartedly into your co-worker's bottomless candy dish. Then you stepped on the scale. Now, like much of the world, you?re resolved to hit the gym, flatten your tummy and switch from French fries to organic produce ...
New Year's resolution: shred
Posted on December 31, 2007As you head to the store to exchange gifts, don?t forget to pick up this season?s must-have item ? a document shredder. Mike Benbow, the Everett Herald's business guy, explains why you need one ...
AG McKenna to lead public forums on gas prices
Posted on December 28, 2007Attorney General Rob McKenna and UW economist Keith Leffler will discuss results from the first phase of the state?s ongoing investigation into gas prices and gather public comments during three evening public forums ...
New credit score formula on horizon
Posted on December 28, 2007Your credit score helps lenders determine if you?re a good risk for a car loan, mortgage or credit card. Fair Isaac Corp., maker of the FICO score used by most banks and mortgage companies, is changing its formula in order to better predict the likelihood of a borrower defaulting ...
Freddie Mac?s YouTube video warns of foreclosure rescue scams
Posted on December 26, 2007Freddie Mac, one of the nation's largest investors in residential mortgages, has posted a video on YouTube to keep borrowers from losing their homes to cons.
New MySpace graphics promote wise charitable giving
Posted on December 26, 2007This time of year, charities are working harder than ever to obtain your donations. Because of U.S. Supreme Court decisions, Washington state can?t require fundraisers to return a certain percentage of your money to their charity clients, nor can we regulate how much charities spend on overhead and marketing ...
Beware of phony football tickets
Posted on December 24, 2007With college football?s bowl season kicking off this week and more than 1 million fans searching for tickets, con artists are banking on the frenzy ...
American Community Survey is in the mail
Posted on December 24, 2007A consumer contacted our office to question the legitimacy of the American Community Survey mailed to him by the U.S. Census Bureau. He was concerned that the survey advised him he was compelled by law to fill it out. It asks for personal information, so he thought it might be ...
Tips for hassle-free gift returns
Posted on December 24, 2007A national survey reveals return policies that may surprise some people after the holidays ...
Cell Phones Under Attack: How to block text spam and viruses
Posted on December 20, 2007Spammers aren?t just hitting your computer. Today, your wireless phone is also under siege. According to one research firm, U.S. consumers together receive about 800 million unwanted text messages ...
Health insurance scammers ordered to halt sales
Posted on December 20, 2007State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler ordered a Colorado man and a loose affiliation of companies to stop selling unapproved health insurance plans to Washington consumers. Investigators said that between 2003 and 2007, the companies sold bogus health plans or policies to 4,000 Washington residents ...
The price is right ? sometimes
Posted on December 20, 2007When shopping this holiday season, check that the price scanned at the register is what you?re supposed to pay. The City of Seattle inspected 57 retail stores in November and found that three failed. During the same time frame, the state Department of Agriculture found that 18 of 88 stores in other cities failed ...
Advice when your mortgage lender goes bankrupt
Posted on December 20, 2007A new Federal Trade Commision brochure answers the question of what to do when your mortgage company closes or files for bankruptcy ...
Merchants can't print full card numbers on customer receipts
Posted on December 19, 2007As merchants get busier with holiday shopping, the Federal Trade Commission is reminding them to be sure treceipts they give customers don't contain full credit or debit account numbers ...
Cheaper way to buy copies of property deeds
Posted on December 19, 2007The Better Business Bureau issued a warning today that property owners have received letters from National Deed Service, Inc. The letter explains that the U.S. Government Federal Citizen Information Center recommends you have a certified copy of your propery deed...
Nearly $10 million in Ameriquest checks in the mail to Washington consumers
Posted on December 14, 2007December will be a bit warmer for 8,750 Washington residents. They?ll receive checks this month totaling nearly $10 million as part of last year's $325 million national settlement with former subprime lending giant Ameriquest....
Looking for love online? Watch out for flirty bots
Posted on December 13, 2007Looking for romance online? You?re next scintillating chat may be with a computer, not a human. A Russian Web site called CyberLover is advertising a software tool that it claims can simulate flirtatious chatroom exchanges. ...
Refunds for travelers who use credit cards
Posted on December 13, 2007We?ve received quite a few calls and e-mails this week from consumers who received letters telling them their entitled to a refund from a settlement. Many times, letters are scams. But this is the real deal. ...
Put your credit on ice
Posted on December 10, 2007Following on the heels of Washington and other states that have approved credit freeze laws, the nation?s three leading credit bureaus recently announced they will provide all Americans with the opportunity to freeze unwanted access to their credit history...
Charity scams possible in the wake of the flood
Posted on December 06, 2007Attorney General Rob McKenna today warned consumers to beware of possible flood-related scams including fraudulent home repair offers, phony charity pitches and cons posing as government officials. As sick as it may seem, cons like to prey on disaster situations...
New database for checking toy safety
Posted on December 04, 2007The Washington Toxics Coalition, a nationwide coalition of environment groups, is scheduled to launch a new database Wednesday to inform parents about hazardous toys ...
Survey shows 8.3 million identity theft victims in U.S.
Posted on November 29, 2007The Federal Trade Commission this week released a survey showing that 8.3 million American adults, or 3.7 percent of us, were victims of identity theft in 2005. Most of those cases involved misuse of existing credit card or other accounts, while 1.8 million found that new accounts were opened or other frauds were committed using their personal identifying information.
Social networking site users may be ripe for identity theft
Posted on November 29, 2007The UK Times is reporting that banks may stop reimbursing identity fraud victims who post personal information on Web sites such as MySpace and Facebook. The Times doesn?t quote any bank officials in its story, strangely. But the article does help raise a red flag concerning the amount of personal information available on social networking sites.
Finding a safe kennel for your pet
Posted on November 27, 2007The holiday travel season is here and if you plan to board Fido and Fluffy while you're out of town, the Better Business Bureau says you need to first check out your kennel to ensure your pets' safety. Complaints to the BBB about pet kennels and boarding facilities have more than doubled in the last five years with nearly 500 complaints nationwide made last year, according to the organization...
Read the fine print on rebate offers
Posted on November 21, 2007Rebates can provide a nice shopping bonus ? as long as you follow the strict redemption rules. Many go unclaimed because consumers throw away proof of purchase codes or miss deadlines.
Gift card laws and scams
Posted on November 15, 2007Gift cards are easy to give and great to receive. But be careful if you shop online. Some cards sold on auction sites are counterfeit or stolen. Plus, there's an important difference between cards sold by merchants and those issued by banks and malls...
FTC cracks down on rogue telemarketers
Posted on November 08, 2007Some of the worst telemarketers were nailed for violating the Do Not Call list. This week, the Federal Trade Commission announced $7.7 million in settlements with six companies accused of ignoring the...
AG working to protect small businesses too
Posted on November 08, 2007In the realm of consumer protection, businesses can sometimes be victims. Our office took action this week in two cases in which consumers are businesses.We settled a lawsuit with a HouseValues, Inc., which...
E-mail alerts help consumers keep up with recalls
Posted on November 01, 2007Who can possibly keep up with all the recent product recalls? It was big news when manufacturers recently recalled millions of toys because of toxic lead paint and when animals started dying because of tainted...
Can you spot the top 10 scams?
Posted on October 30, 2007An estimated 30.2 million adults ? 13.5 percent of the U.S. adult population ? were victims of fraud during a single year, according to a new survey released yesterday by the Federal Trade Commission. Here...
How to find your missing property for free
Posted on October 29, 2007Have you ever been contacted by someone who claims you may have some missing or unclaimed property that you didn?t know about? These businesses offer to locate your missing assets for a fee. But you don?t...
Fix for recalled Simplicity and Graco cribs
Posted on October 26, 2007A fix is available for recalled Simplicity and Graco cribs. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that Simplicity will provide consumers with a repair kit. We blogged last month...
Home lead test kits often fail, fed study shows
Posted on October 22, 2007Following reports of excessive lead in children's and pets' toys, parents are likely to turn to lead test kits that they can use at home. But the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says these tests...
Check out contractors before you pay for storm repairs
Posted on October 19, 2007Attorney General Rob McKenna today urged homeowners to check out contractors they hire to help repair their storm-damaged homes and remove fallen trees caused by yesterday?s 40-50 mph winds. Storms often...
McKenna joins credit unions at statewide shredathon on Oct. 20th
Posted on October 19, 2007So many free shred events this month! Tomorrow, October 20th, Attorney General Rob McKenna will join Washington?s credit unions in a statewide effort to reduce identity theft. More than 20 credit unions...
Use caution when shopping online auction sites
Posted on October 18, 2007Our Consumer Protection High-Tech Unit filed a lawsuit today accusing a former Bremerton couple who sold magazine subscriptions of violating consumer protection laws. According to the state?s complaint,...
Security software, like fire extinguishers, needs maintenance
Posted on October 16, 2007A few years ago, one of our kids mistakenly set the microwave to 40 minutes to cook a bag of popcorn. My wife and I arrived home to find the first floor of our house covered in smoke and the smoke detector...
Lead found in lipstick - but cosmetics experts say don't panic
Posted on October 12, 2007Ladies, you may be licking lead. More than half of 33 brand-name lipsticks tested contained detectable levels of lead, with levels ranging from 0.03 to 0.65 parts per million (ppm), according to new product...
How much is that doggie on the Internet?
Posted on October 12, 2007?Con artists have come up with another devious way to steal your money. Their bait: cute little puppies. It starts with an e-mail or a classified ad, and it ends with disappointment and a drained bank...
Feds bust list brokers in undercover sting
Posted on October 12, 2007The Federal Trade Commission, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois halted an illegal operation that sold lists of consumers to Canadian telemarketers...
Tell us your fraud story
Posted on October 11, 2007Feelings of embarrassment keep many fraud victims from ever coming forward. However, cons will continue to prey on unsuspecting victims as long as there are people who have yet to hear the warnings. Your...
Affiliate marketer violated spyware act
Posted on October 10, 2007Yet another reminder why you must be cautious when downloading software: We announced a settlement today with an Internet affiliate advertiser who sent anonymous ?Net Send? messages to consumers? computers....
Ready for the digital TV switchover?
Posted on October 10, 2007On Feb. 17, 2009, all television broadcasts will switch from analog to digital signals. If you subscribe to cable or satellite service, you shouldn't have to worry. But if you still have an analog TV,...
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