Other LanguagesAttorney General Rob McKenna today released the first phase of Washington’s 2007 gas prices investigation. McKenna announced in April 2007 he was teaming up with Gov. Chris Gregoire and the state Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development to conduct the investigation based on strong public and private concern about escalating gas prices and the need for new research to help explain factors that influence Washington’s gas prices.
SPOKANE – Attorney General Rob McKenna announced an agreement with TruGreen, L.P. of Memphis, Tenn., that provides for refunds of over $83,000 to Washington consumers whose accounts TruGreen improperly debited, and for payment of over $50,000 in costs and attorney fees incurred by the state.
SPOKANE – Attorney General Rob McKenna today urged consumers to check the tires on their SUV, pickup or van in case they are among those being recalled. Attorneys General in 24 states issued consumer alerts and have formed a working group to look into concerns that an estimated 270,000 tires brought into the U.S. from China may be potentially unsafe.
SPOKANE – Attorney General Rob McKenna’s office today announced a settlement with Titleist Meats, LLC., concerning the company’s refund and cancellation policies. Titleist Meats has an office in Spokane and sells meat products door to door in Washington.
SEATTLE –Attorney General Rob McKenna today announced that Washington consumers who continued to receive bills for America Online (AOL) services after cancelling are eligible for refunds as part of a $3 million nationwide settlement with the Internet service provider.
The Washington State Department of Revenue has received reports that taxpayers have received automated phone messages from a party that identifies itself as the Department of Revenue. The phone message directs businesses to call a 1-800 number and have their tax numbers ready. When the call is made, a recording says the number has changed and directs the caller to call an international number beginning with the digits 101 for which charges apply.
LAKEWOOD – Attorney General Rob McKenna warned Washington residents that con artists are becoming increasingly skilled at customizing their pitches. Residents of Lakewood, Washington, have been targeted twice in recent weeks for identity theft and financial fraud scams. The cases appear to be unrelated, but show how far criminals will go in order to convince someone to send money or provide personal information.
SEATTLE – The owners of several Bellevue businesses that sent official-looking postcards to homeowners urging them to have their hot-water tanks or electrical panels inspected agreed to issue refunds to consumers as part of a settlement, Attorney General Rob McKenna announced today.
OLYMPIA – Attorney General Rob McKenna and Scott Jarvis, Director of the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), announced today that more than 12,000 Washington residents are eligible for an estimated $9.1 million in restitution from Ameriquest Mortgage Company and its related companies. The money comes from last year’s $325 million national settlement, in which states alleged widespread fraud by Ameriquest as part of a high-pressure scheme to sell mortgages that trapped consumers into debt and put them at risk of losing their homes.
TACOMA – Attorney General Rob McKenna today warned businesses to beware of traveling salesmen who fraudulently claim to be federal government representatives and use coercive tactics to sell labor law posters. Cons were recently reported in the Tacoma area.