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Washington State

Office of the Attorney General

Attorney General

Nick Brown

Consumer Alert: Bogus Computer Sellers Targeting Hispanics

OLYMPIA - Attorney General Christine Gregoire is warning consumers, especially Spanish-speaking residents, to be cautious when considering purchases of computer equipment from telemarketers or unfamiliar businesses that advertise on television.

Over the past four months, the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division has received at least 12 reports from consumers complaining that they either did not receive the computers they purchased, or only received a portion of the equipment ordered. The telemarketing calls and TV advertising are aimed at Spanish-speaking consumers.

Attorney General's Office Settles Lawsuit with Seattle School District

Olympia- September 18, 1997- A settlement was announced today in a lawsuit filed by the Attorney General's Office on October 10, 1995, challenging the alleged use of public resources to promote a 1994 Seattle School District school construction bond measure. The settlement includes an acknowledgment of violations of state campaign laws along with a commitment by the District to develop a plan to prevent future violations.

Victims of Computer Ripoff Get Refunds

Kennewick -March 26, 2003- About two dozen Central Washington families who purchased defective computers and educational software from a company that falsely claimed it was associated with local schools have had their money returned.

Attorney General Christine Gregoire traveled to Kennewick to personally present checks -- covering down payments and any monthly payments made toward the computers' purchase -- to the scam's victims.

WASHINGTON SETTLES WITH SWEEPSTAKES COMPANY

SEATTLE ---One of the nations largest sweepstakes operators, American Family Publishers, which uses Ed McMahon and Dick Clark as its spokespersons, has agreed to pay Washington and 31 other states $1.25 million and stop the use of illegal promotions tactics.

"There's a line between hype to sell a product and deception," said Attorney General Christine Gregoire. "This company crossed over that line with their promotion suggesting consumers were one of only two recipients in Washington with the winning numbers."

AG REACHES AGREEMENT WITH AMERICA ONLINE

SEATTLE - May 28, 1998 -- Washington Attorney General Christine Gregoire and 43 other attorneys general have negotiated a $2.6 million national settlement with America Online (AOL) that gives consumers important new protections.

“Consumers have a right to be notified in advance whenever there is a price increase or a substantial change to their services,” said Gregoire. “Only with all the facts can consumers make informed choices.”

AG Files Suit Over Unauthorized Internet Billing

SEATTLE - 5.30.03 - The Attorney General's office has filed suit against the operators of an Internet billing service who allegedly obtained customers without authorization and then charged them $4.99 for each minute they were connected to the service.

More than 100 complaints from Washington consumers have been received by the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division concerning the scheme, which is operated by a New Jersey-based company called Alyon Technologies, Inc., and its Georgia affiliate, Telcollect.

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