AGO News Releases

McKenna warns consumers about debt-relief scams

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:00:00 GMT

OLYMPIA – Attorney General Rob McKenna today praised the Federal Trade Commission for tackling a Tacoma company that preyed on financially strapped consumers. He urged consumers to take advantage of low-cost credit counseling services.

Stumped Spokane seniors told they didn’t own their homes

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SPOKANE -- Residents of a Spokane mobile home park were bewildered to learn they didn’t own the homes they live in. When an investigation by the Washington Attorney General’s Office revealed that the owner of West Prairie Village never properly transferred the titles, the business agreed to make things right.

AG’s new site guides public on grabbing government records

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

OLYMPIA – Open government advocates have a new resource at the Attorney General’s Office. The AGO has launched “Unredacted: Uncovering the truth about Public Records and Open Public Meetings.”

CONSUMER ALERT: Pierce County businesses claiming to help homeless aren’t charities

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

TACOMA – The 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.

McKenna names new Spokane Division Chief

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

OLYMPIA – Attorney General Rob McKenna today announced the appointment of Antoinette (Toni) Ursich as the successor to longtime Spokane Division Chief Larry Briney. Ursich is currently the Washington State University Division Chief.

Attorney General McKenna calls TJX’s data breach a costly lesson

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SEATTLE – TJX Companies, Inc., 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. Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna said $2.5 million will fund a Data Security Trust Fund to be used by the states to advance enforcement efforts and policy development in the field of data security.

Former King County Assessor sentenced to eight months for drunk driving crash

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SEATTLE—Today in King County Superior Court, former King County Assessor Russell Scott Noble was sentenced to eight months in jail after pleading guilty to one count of felony vehicular assault in a drunken crash that injured him and two others on Jan. 18.

Project to provide free legal assistance to homeowners facing foreclosure

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SEATTLE -- The Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) is pleased to announce that its Home Foreclosure Legal Aid Project is accepting clients. In response to the current foreclosure crisis in our state, the WSBA is partnering with the Northwest Justice Project (NJP) to provide free legal assistance to Washington residents in danger of losing their homes. The goal of the project, which will last through May 2010, is to help Washington homeowners avoid foreclosure and stay in their homes.

Attorney General McKenna elected to leadership post of national AG group

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

OLYMPIA – The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG), yesterday elected Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna as its vice president. McKenna will serve in this role through next summer, when he will become president-elect of the organization. He’ll assume the role of NAAG president in 2011.

The vulnerability of seniors, By Attorney General Rob McKenna

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

As The Mirror reported on May 5, a Federal Way man has been charged with theft for draining his 93-year-old mother’s bank accounts.

Attorney General McKenna announces multi-million dollar settlement with drug manufacturer

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

OLYMPIA – Attorney General Rob McKenna today announced that Washington state will receive more than $2.6 million as part of a $95.5 million global settlement with Aventis Pharmaceutical, Inc, to resolve allegations that Aventis and its corporate predecessors shortchanged taxpayer-funded health care programs.

A new era begins Monday for historic Fidalgo Bay mill site

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

OLYMPIA – Work to clean up and remake a major piece of the Anacortes waterfront starts Monday, June 15, 2009.

State of Washington closer to securing money tied to environmental damages caused by Asarco operations

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

OLYMPIA –Washington state has cleared a major hurdle in its efforts to collect nearly $164 million to help repair environmental damage caused by bankrupt mining giant Asarco.

Island seniors at risk of exploitation, By Attorney General Rob McKenna

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

If you regularly peruse the Mercer Island Reporter’s police report, you have probably noticed the trend of fraud targeting seniors. Some of the crimes are new. For example, the “Grandma Scam,” in which a young‑sounding person — often overseas and always posing as a grandchild — makes a breathless phone call pleading for an urgent wire transfer to pay a medical bail or to post a jail bond.

New Chrysler will honor “Lemon Law” obligations

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

OLYMPIA – Here’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, Attorney General Rob McKenna said today.