AGO, BBB and AARP partner to combat romance scams

OLYMPIA—The Washington Attorney General’s Office filed a petition in Grant County Superior Court today seeking to civilly commit a Grant County sex offender and prevent his release into the community.

Washington’s Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) law allows the state Attorney General’s Office (AGO) to petition for the civil commitment of violent sex offenders who, because of a mental abnormality and/or personality disorder, are proven likely to engage in predatory acts of sexual violence if released.

OLYMPIA— Attorney General Bob Ferguson today issued the following statements regarding Gov. Jay Inslee’s announcement that he is implementing a moratorium on all executions as long as he serves as governor.
 
“Washington’s Constitution and state statutes grant the governor significant powers over the fate of individuals sentenced to death,” Ferguson said. “Consequently, the governor has the authority to hit the “pause” button for executions in Washington.”

SEATTLE — Are you puzzled by a missed mobile call from Antigua, Barbuda, Jamaica or other exotic locations? No, you have not won a trip to the Caribbean.

Scammers are placing thousands of calls to random mobile numbers around the United States. The phone rings once and then disconnects.

Fraudsters hope you will call the number back out of curiosity. Do not call the number back, here’s why.

OLYMPIA — The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) has filed a lawsuit against California company Labor Standards Compliance Office (LSCO) and its principal, Fangliang Cui, for alleged violations of the Washington State Consumer Protection Act (CPA).

Press release courtesy of the Department of Labor & Industries

TUMWATER — An asphalt paver who went door to door in Snohomish County offering customers “a really good deal” now faces upset homeowners and criminal charges of failing to register as a contractor.

The Washington Attorney General has charged Michael Eugene Sparrow, 50, with eight counts of unregistered contracting. Sparrow also faces one count of doing business without workers’ compensation insurance and three felony charges of false reporting by an employer.

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Attorney General’s Office (AGO) and a special assistant attorney general recovered $31 million for the State Investment Board (WSIB) in a settlement announced today related to the 2008 collapse of Lehman Brothers, Inc.—the largest corporate bankruptcy in history. Before declaring bankruptcy, Lehman Brothers was the fourth largest investment bank in the U.S.
 

 After high-profile national data breaches, Attorney General’s Office encourages consumers to safeguard data

SEATTLE — In recognition of Data Privacy Day, the Washington Attorney General’s Office (AGO) is urging businesses and individuals to take a moment to learn how to better protect information.

January 28 is Data Privacy Day, an international effort to empower people to protect their online privacy and control their “digital footprint” — information they leave behind on the Internet that is collected by companies or other entities.

SEATTLE — Consumers, keep an eye out for a post-holiday email scams carrying malicious malware disguised as a link to a helpful “change of address” form. Malware is software used to disrupt computer operation and gather sensitive information.

Washington consumers have reported receiving emails containing names and logos of legitimate companies such as Costco and Walmart, notifying the recipient that their “order has been cancelled.” Scams that employ the names and logos of trusted businesses are a favorite of con artists.

Attorney General warns to be wary of scams to follow

SEATTLE — Neiman Marcus, a luxury specialty department store, has announced a payment card data breach. The store announced some of its customers’ payment cards were fraudulently used after making purchases at its stores.