This consumer alert was published by the Office of the Secretary of State
The Secretary of State’s Corporations and Charities Division is receiving a large number of calls from customers regarding a form received in the mail from the following company:
Attorney General Bob Ferguson became one of 15 Attorneys General from across the country to encourage the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to regulate mandatory arbitration clauses in consumer agreements for financial products or services.
“Black Friday,” the day after Thanksgiving, is known to be one of the biggest shopping days of the year. Blockbuster savings entice consumers to spend their hard-earned money. Every year, the Office of the Attorney General releases tips to help Washington consumers arm themselves with information to savvy shoppers as they walk through the mall doors.
Tech scammers have been around for years and while some companies are caught, new ones continually pop up claiming to be popular and trusted software companies.
Save yourself some scary surprises this October by being extra careful online. October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month, and as part of a global cybersecurity awareness campaign, Better Business Bureau and the Washington State Attorney General’s Office are partnering with STOP.THINK.CONNECT.™ to help digital citizens stay safe online.
Many Washingtonians, especially in the Seattle area, have notified the AGO that they have received postcards promising complimentary flights and discounted travel. After further investigation, the AGO has found that the postcards offer nothing more than overpriced access to common, easily-accessible travel agency memberships.First seen in the 1990s, these “travel club” middlemen contact consumers through mail, over the phone, or online in hopes of luring consumers to call a toll-free number and use a promo code provided in the initial contact.
The federal government today levied a record $1.2 billion penalty against Toyota for misleading the public and government regulators about the company’s problems with unintended acceleration in its vehicles caused by floor mat and “sticky gas pedal” issues.
<p>A key priority for the Washington State Attorney General’s Office is to safeguard consumers from unfair and deceptive business practices.</p>
<p>During <a href="http://www.ncpw.gov/" title="National Consumer Protection Week">National Consumer Protection Week</a>, March 2-8, the AGO wants to highlight multiple ways the office can help consumers from an informal complaint resolution service to suing bad actors and providing scam prevention tips.</p>
Ready for tax season? If you haven’t heard about tax identity theft, you may not be.
Tax identity theft happens when someone files a phony tax return using your personal information — like your Social Security number — to get a tax refund from the IRS. It also can happen when someone uses your Social Security number to get a job or claims your child as a dependent on a tax return. Tax identity theft is the most common form of identity theft reported to the Federal Trade Commission. The IRS says tax identity theft is a top priority and says it has hired new staff, explored new technologies, and adopted new procedures to fight it.
Building off the momentum of Black Friday, Cyber Monday has quickly become the biggest online shopping day of the year. Retailers across the country entice consumers with deep discounts.
These post-Thanksgiving sales may offer great deals, but the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) encourages consumers to click ‘buy’ with caution. These simple tips will make sure you and your computer stay safe online.
After families have stuffed themselves full of turkey on Thanksgiving Day, they head to bed, and often wake before dawn for the biggest shopping day of the year. Black Friday is known for its blockbuster savings that entice consumers to spend their hard earned money.
This special to the Bellingham Herald was published November 20, 2013.
By Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson
You might reasonably assume that the federal government regulates and tests most of the chemicals found in our children’s toys, household products, and other consumer goods to make sure they are safe. They do not. In response, states like Washington stepped up with stronger chemical safety state laws to protect consumers and the environment from the impacts of toxic chemicals.
Governor Jay Inslee proclaims Nov. 11-17, 2013 as Washington State Drowsy Driving Prevention Week
Getting behind the wheel while tired or sleepy is not a crime like driving drunk. But it can be just as dangerous, and just as deadly.
Avoid donation scams
In the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, email scams which solicit the wiring of money to stranded victims in the Philippines are surfacing. Willing donors should give cautiously over the next few weeks.
Today's world is more interconnected than ever. Yet, for all its
advantages, increased connectivity brings increased risks of theft,
fraud and abuse. The Attorney General’s Office would like to remind you
to protect yourself against cybercrime and get educated about the
resources available to victims.