Other LanguagesWe need more people like Renton Walmart employee Carrie Smith. Smith, 68, was featured in a recent Seattle Times article for talking people out of sending thousands of dollars by wire transfer to scammers.
Washington consumers looking to lose weight or wrinkles have jumped at “free trial” offers for açaí berry and resveratrol products. But the fruity supplements came with unexpected costs.
... Or nothing for your money. From Ponzi schemes to exotic financial investments, consumers are being conned.
A job ad for a “survey agent” is too good to be true, the Better Business Bureau warned today.
Are you in need of an adrenalin boost? Whatever the reason, the AG's office is here to help.
How, you ask? By offering reading material that is sure to spark your "fight or flight" response. Specifically, you should note the claims recently filed by our Consumer Protection Division against Rent-A-Center, Inc. The press release can be found here. For a more intense experience, however, you should read the sworn statements by some of the victims, which document a consistent pattern of terrorizing children, trespassing, attempted home invasion, and all-around intimidation. Rent-A-Center employees would even spread misinformation to third-parties, such as coworkers, bosses, neighbors, clients, and babysitters. In one instance, the employees would falsely claim to have a court order to gain access to a house; in another, they would pretend to call the police and tell children that Child Protective Services would come to take them away from their families.
The noted Greek author Diogenes Laertius once famously said "The foundation of every state is the education of its youth." In uncertain and perilous times like these, this quote rings especaially true. As every individual's period of youth turns into young adulthood, it is important that they have been educated on the roles of a consumer and the realities of consumer exploitation.
"Consumers didn’t realize that, in the fine print of its contract, DISH Network had given itself permission to make automatic debits or charges to their credit cards."
Last week, Rob McKenna announced a $6 million settlement with Dish Network for alleged "deceptive and unfair sales practices." You can read more here.
A Tacoma debt-repair company was shut down this week by the Federal Trade Commission for preying on financially strapped consumers. ... Read the full post for tips to spot a debt-repair scam and where to find legitimate help.
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. Read today's consumer alert from the Washington Attorney General's Office, Secretary of State and BBB.