$772K from recent settlement deposited into state treasury

SEATTLE – The state budget received a little boost this week in the form of a $772,320.33 check thanks to a settlement between the Attorney General’s Office and Intelius last fall.

Individual mandate unconstitutional

OLYMPIA — A Florida judge today ruled that Congress exceeded its Constitutional authority in approving a new health care mandate requiring all US citizens to have or purchase health insurance or face a fine. The ruling overturns the entire law.

Data Privacy Day serves as a reminder to check privacy settings on social networks and wireless connections

SEATTLE – Despite warnings, many computer users unknowingly leave them themselves vulnerable to financial fraud or privacy invasions. In recognition of Data Privacy Day, Attorney General Rob McKenna today warned Washington residents to protect their personal information by checking the privacy settings on social Web sites and using secured networks.

SEATTLE – If you have a gift card for Anchor Blue, shop now. The clothing store chain is closing all of its stores and will honor gift cards, certificates and store credits as payment for purchases through Friday, Jan. 28.

Purchases made before Jan. 7 may be exchanged or returned for store credit (no cash refunds) until Feb. 5 or 30 days after the initial purchase — whichever is earlier. Customers must have a receipt. Purchases made after Jan. 7 are final.

SEATTLE – Attorney General Rob McKenna’s bill to help fight identity theft by increasing penalties for mail theft will be considered by a legislative committee this week.

Computer-generated e-mail campaign to legislators promotes misleading allegations

More than half of all states now pursuing challenges to federal health care reform

Attorney General urges residents to talk to their loved ones about common scams

SEATTLE – It starts with a desperate phone call, e-mail or even an instant message from someone posing as a grandchild or a friend. He was arrested overseas. She was mugged. Please send money right away. Except it’s not who you think – it’s a con artist.

Washington residents are losing thousands of dollars to manipulative criminals claiming to be relatives in need of help.

SEATTLE – The Washington Attorney General’s Office joined the U.S. Department of Justice and other attorneys general in a settlement that permits the merger of Comcast and NBC Universal, while requiring Comcast to make its programming available to competitors.

OLYMPIA – The Legislature will hear public testimony on 11 bills requested by Attorney General Rob McKenna this week, 10 pertaining to open government and protection of private property.

Monday, Jan. 17: