Washington state strikes back against rigged Internet auctions

SEATTLE – Bidders on electronics and other goods auctioned on ArrowOutlet.com thought they were competing with other human beings. But it turns out, according to a lawsuit filed by the Washington State Attorney General’s Office, they were often battling “bots.”

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Attorney General’s Office’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) today announced the resolution of cases against two women accused of criminal negligence and fraud at an Eatonville boarding home.

SEATTLE -- Attorney General-Elect Bob Ferguson today announced the selection of Seattle attorney Noah Guzzo Purcell as the new Solicitor General for the Washington State Attorney General's Office (AGO), replacing retiring Solicitor General Maureen Hart

SEATTLE – As he nears the end of a busy eight years as Washington State Attorney General, Rob McKenna is reminding families and policymakers to stay alert for threats to seniors.

“They looked out for us and we need to look out for them,” said McKenna, who this month was awarded AARP Washington’s Fraud Fighter Lifetime Achievement Award. “Many people in our state, and millions of Americans overall, look after older parents. But we should remember that many seniors are alone and isolated. Bad guys know that, too, making older adults vulnerable.”

SEATTLE – A powerful spam-sending application is attacking the most common smartphone operating system.

“Before you click on a link that is texted to you, understand it’s probably going to cost you,” says Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna. “That text that appears to come from a reputable retailer is usually a trick to take your money, install a virus, or both.”

OLYMPIA – Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna today announced that Washington joined with other states and the federal government to reach an agreement with Amgen, Inc., settling allegations that the drug-maker illegally marketed several drugs.

“In order to protect taxpayers, federal and state law guides the way drugs are marketed to government healthcare programs,” said McKenna. “We allege Amgen broke those laws, misrepresenting drugs in a way that overcharged our healthcare programs.”

OLYMPIA – A man charged by the Washington State Attorney General’s Office for Medicaid fraud has been apprehended.

In April, Nnanna Mba, formerly of Puyallup, was charged with 17 counts of theft for billing Medicaid for medical supplies that were never given to beneficiaries. When Mba failed to appear in court for his arraignment, the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) obtained a warrant for his arrest.

People Helping Horses bucks director and will audit finances

SEATTLE – An investigation by the Washington State Attorney General’s Office has led to significant changes to a Snohomish County horse rescue’s management and new controls on the organization’s fundraising and financial practices.

State attorneys general reach deal over Zyvox and Lyrica

SEATTLE – Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna today announced that he and 33 other state attorneys general reached a $42.9 million settlement with Pfizer Inc. to resolve allegations that the company unlawfully promoted its drugs, Zyvox and Lyrica.

 Florida firm faces lawsuit over spam called “as illegal as it is annoying”