WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

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.

OLYMPIA…Attorney General Rob McKenna is proud to announce the Conference of Western Attorneys General has selected Deputy Attorney General Shirley Battan to receive the Nelson Kempsky Award for outstanding leadership and management.

“Shirley is an excellent leader and a role model for this office,” McKenna said. “I am very proud of the work that Shirley does for the office and this award is a symbol of her efforts.”

SEATTLE – Attorney General Rob McKenna today announced a settlement with PeoplePeople, resolving allegations that the Vashon-based company failed to deliver merchandise, issue refunds or respond to consumer inquiries in a timely manner. The company agreed to contact previous customers and provide refunds to those who request them.

WASHINGTON D.C.… The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG)’s newly elected president, Georgia Attorney General Thurbert Baker, has appointed Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna to the NAAG Executive Committee for 2006-2007. McKenna will also co-chair the NAAG Tobacco Committee.

McKenna was named as one of three presidential appointees to the Executive Committee and will serve along side the committee’s ten other members. The Executive Committee manages the association’s operations and provides approval and guidance to keep NAAG goals on track.

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.

OLYMPIA - New laws requested by Attorney General Rob McKenna dealing with eminent domain notice, increased domestic violence penalties, establishment of an anti-gang workgroup, protecting seniors and establishing a Sunshine Committee for public records will go into effect on Sunday. 
 
“The new laws seek to provide the tools necessary to further protect the people of Washington,” said Attorney General McKenna, “I’m very pleased with the bi-partisan support from the Legislature for these bills.”

Plumb Serve and Electro Serve to Refund Consumers

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 – King County Superior Court today ruled on summary judgment in favor of the state of Washington in Futurewise and SEIU 775 v. Sam Reed. 

Joint Release from ATTORNEY GENERAL ROB MCKENNA and the DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

• CONSUMER INFORMATION: Detailed information about the settlement and eligibility for restitution is available at www.ameriquestmultistatesettlement.com. Consumers also may contact the settlement administrator at 1-800-420-5875. (Hearing-impaired persons may call 866-494-8274.)