AGO News Releases for 2013

Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today Washington has joined a national settlement against the drug manufacturer Amgen, Inc., resolving allegations that Amgen violated certain state false claims acts by reporting inflated pricing data for its prescription drugs Aranesp, Enbrel, Epogen, Neulasta, Neupogen, and Sensipar.

Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s High-Tech Unit has secured a $97,000 settlement with ZookaWare, an Arizona-based software company, and its owner for engaging in unfair and deceptive practices against consumers over the last several years.

The Legislature has approved a bipartisan measure proposed by Attorney General Bob Ferguson to extend current courthouse protections to all residents accessing the courts.

Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson and the Better Business Bureau are teaming up to remind consumers that scammers never take a vacation.  Both the AGO and the BBB have seen a recent spike in “Timeshare Reseller” scams. Together both agencies have received more than 20 complaints since the start of the year.

The Public Counsel Section of the Washington Attorney General’s Office today filed expert testimony recommending modifications to a multi-year rate plan filed by Puget Sound Energy (PSE).

Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson has ordered T-Mobile to correct deceptive advertising that promised consumers no annual contracts while carrying hidden charges for early termination of phone plans.  Today, the Attorney General's Office filed a court order signed by T-Mobile and effective nationwide that will ensure the company clearly communicates the limitations of its new “no-contract” wireless service plans and allows customers duped by the deceptive ads to exit their contracts with no penalty.

Attorney General Bob Ferguson and Secretary of State Kim Wyman today expressed their condolences to the victims of the horrific violence at the 2013 Boston Marathon—and warned people not to fall victim to fake fundraisers using the tragedy to scam people into making bogus contributions.

Attorney General Bob Ferguson today announced his office has filed a consumer protection  lawsuit against Arlene’s Flowers and Gifts in Richland, Wash.  On March 1, 2013, Barronelle Stutzman, owner of Arlene’s Flowers, refused to provide wedding flowers to long-time customer, Robert Ingersoll, based on her opposition to same-sex marriage.

OLYMPIA—Attorney General Bob Ferguson today shared news that Microsoft recently used a new Washington unfair competition law to resolve a dispute over software licensing issues with the world’s fourth largest aircraft manufacturer, Embraer.

Attorney General Ferguson was infuriated to learn unauthorized financial planning companies were targeting senior veterans with schemes promising new untapped veterans benefits—if the veterans were willing to let these “planners” help manage their financial assets.