Other LanguagesOLYMPIA -- A former City of South Bend official was sentenced to 16 months in prison in Pacific County Superior Court today for stealing more than $153,000 in city funds. Colleen K. Mason pleaded guilty in November to five counts of first degree theft and one count of second degree theft.
January 6, 1997 - A fast growing consumer rip-off involves a procedure called slamming, in which long-distance phone service is changed without getting the permission of the consumer or business. This occurs when a telephone service provider, usually a small, high-priced company, informs the local phone company that a consumer has selected it to replace their current long-distance carrier. Assuming the consumer agreed to change, the local carrier switches the long-distance company.
December 31, 1996--Attorney General Christine Gregoire and state and federal recovery agencies are warning storm-stricken Washington residents not to fall victim to scams while repairing and recovering from the recent storms.
SEATTLE - December 19, 1996---Mazda Motor of America, Inc. today agreed to reform its national auto leasing advertisements and pay $857,500 to Washington and 23 other states.
SEATTLE - December 5, 1996 - Telemark, Inc., a Portland-based telemarketing firm, operating extensively in Washington, agreed today to pay $316,000 in fines and fees to settle a lawsuit for deceiving customers, failing to provide services to clients and falsifying polling results.
SEATTLE - State Attorney General Christine Gregoire signed a letter of agreement today with America Online, an online service provider headquartered in Virginia, resolving allegations that AOL had violated Washington's Consumer Protection Act in marketing their new pricing and service plan.
SEATTLE- Attorney General Christine Gregoire today announced that Washington with 22 other states and the Federal Trade Commission, have reached a $1 million settlement with four auto manufacturers that promises to change the way auto leases are advertised nationwide.
OLYMPIA - November 19, 1996 - State Attorney General Chris Gregoire is delighted with today's King County Superior Court ruling allowing the majority of the state's lawsuit against the tobacco industry to proceed.
SEATTLE - Attorney General Christine Gregoire filed a lawsuit against Sunrise Resorts and Recreation, Inc. of Renton, WA., a camping club with a long history of consumer complaints.
November 18, 1996 - Washington's Chief Deputy Attorney General Kathleen Mix is pleased with today's U.S. District Court decision upholding the Washington law requiring oil tankers to follow state oil spill prevention regulations.