Consumer Law

30 million consumers victims of fake antivirus software

Posted on October 17, 2008
More than 30 million Internet users have fallen victim to fake antivirus programs that grab people's money and personal information, security research firm PandaLabs recently announced. ...

Should you buy cell phone insurance?

Posted on October 16, 2008
KING TV interviewed me this week for a report about cell phone insurance. A consumer contacted the station after discovering it would cost her nearly as much to have her phone fixed as it would to simply buy a new one. ...

Copycat YouTube pages carry bad bugs

Posted on October 14, 2008
The Associated Press ran a story about fake YouTube pages used to spread viruses. The report warns that even sophisticated users might be taken. ...

FTC socks it to international spam gang

Posted on October 14, 2008
The Federal Trade Commission announced today that it shut down the world's largest spam gang, known as "HerbalKings" among spam-fighing organizations. To spread their junk messages, the group used a botnet (a global network of computers infected with malicious software), often without the knowledge of PC owners...

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Technical difficulties

Posted on October 10, 2008
Why is the main page of the All Consuming blog a blank and where have all those fabulous stories disappeared to?! Well, they still exist. But for now, you'll have to click the links on the right side. Turns out our finicky software system doesn't like when I try to imbed videos on our blog.

Coffee break: Outsmart a cybercrook

Posted on October 10, 2008
October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month. In honor of that, we're posting links to fun, educational sites starting with "The Case of the Cyber Criminal," a quiz that plays like a game.

Talking to kids about Internet safety

Posted on October 10, 2008
You know it's important to talk to your kids about Internet safety, but how to broach the topic?

Mortgage woes? Attend free workshop Saturday in SeaTac

Posted on October 09, 2008
Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna will join housing counselors and loan servicers at a free workshop Saturday geared at helping homeowners find solutions to their mortgage problems. ...

Bank failures and takeovers create Phish-erman's Special

Posted on October 09, 2008
Today?s USA Today story about cybercrooks creating fake Web sites and malicious software to take advantage of economic anxiety comes at no surprise to us in the Attorney General?s Consumer Protection Division. ... Experts say people are antsy right now for information and therefore, may be more likely to click without thinking...

Farewell to Lisa B; AGO volunteer opportunities

Posted on October 08, 2008
As a volunteer intern with our Consumer Protection and Public Affairs teams, Lisa Borkowski was an occasional voice on All Consuming.

Phone roundup: The truth about unauthorized charges, cell phone directories

Posted on October 08, 2008
I apologize for the lack of news on All Consuming these past few weeks while I enjoyed a much-needed vacation. While exploring Italy ? and wearing my money belt to prevent pickpockets from pilfering my Passport or Euros ? All Consuming readers were busily sending their comments and questions...

National AGs release Top 10 Consumer Complaints for 2007

Posted on September 25, 2008
Debt collection complaints topped NAAG's 2007 list of consumer complaints, climbing one spot from last year?s list.  NAAG also reports auto sales moved up a spot to number two. Home repair and construction dropped two spots from 2006?s top complaint to the number three slot.

Answers to questions about a foreclosure rescue scam mailing

Posted on September 18, 2008
A couple weeks ago you may remember reading about how the Attorney General?s Office Consumer Protection Division sent out over 14,000 letters to homeowners to educate them about foreclosure rescue scams.  We are getting calls from homeowners who received our letter that have valid concerns...

Grandparent scam hits more victims

Posted on September 15, 2008
Consumers in our state continue to be targeted by Canadian crooks posing as grandchildren in trouble.

Destroy sensitive papers at Puget Sound shred events

Posted on September 15, 2008
Puget Sound residents have several options this fall to shred sensitive documents at no charge.

Warning about TicketsMyWay.com

Posted on September 12, 2008
The most frequent gripe we hear from consumers who bought concert or sports tickets online is the hefty service fees that these companies sometimes charge. But a business named TicketsMyWay.com appears to have a questionable policy to punish consumers who try to dispute charges for tickets they paid for but never received.

Settlement drives home message that car dealers must be ethical

Posted on September 11, 2008
The Washington State Attorney General?s Office hopes an agreement with two Eastern Washington businesses will drive home an important message to all car dealers: When encouraging buyers to sign on the dotted line, employees must play it straight.

Attorney General grinds down on motorcycle parts dealer

Posted on September 11, 2008
A Klickitat County couple who sold motorcycle parts on the Internet are accused of taking their customers for a ride.

Washington AG warns about double-click divorces

Posted on September 10, 2008
In an era of drive-through wedding chapels and even quicker divorces, it?s still possible to reach a roadblock. ...

What the Fannie and Freddie seizure means to consumers

Posted on September 08, 2008
The federal government seized control of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in an effort to rescue the troubled mortgage companies.

Elderly ripped off by relatives

Posted on September 05, 2008
A story about a financial scam ... new state proposals to protect vulnerable adults ... and signs of financial abuse ...

Minimum purchase for credit card use?

Posted on September 05, 2008
How many times have you popped into the convenience store to grab a snack or something to help your headache and found yourself short on cash? As you handed over your credit card, the clerk pointed to a sign on the register that said you must spend a certain amount (at least $5, for example) to use plastic...

News of Social Security payment cards means cons may be calling

Posted on September 04, 2008
The Attorney General?s Office is warning Washington residents that they should not provide Social Security numbers, bank accounts or other personal information to callers claiming to be from the government.The U.S. Treasury Department announced today that more than 2 million Social Security recipients in a dozen Western states, including Washington, will receive information about the Direct Express Debit MasterCard along with their monthly checks this month...

Back to School Safety Tips

Posted on September 04, 2008
Ding Ding Ding! The school bell is ringing again, and most kids are back in the classrooms; or they will be soon.  Besides all the new clothes and long lists of school supplies you have been buying, there are other things you and your family can do to make the school year a success...

Dirty deeds: AG raises the red flag on foreclosure fraud

Posted on September 04, 2008
Rising mortgage payments have paved the way for scammers who peruse foreclosure listings. Grasping at any offer for help, their victims have paid for false promises, been cheated out of equity and, in severe cases, were tricked into transferring ownership of their homes...

Freeze Flash! Washington credit freeze law just got better

Posted on September 03, 2008
Credit freezes are hot with consumer advocates concerned about identity theft and privacy protections. Starting this week, Washington residents have even more control over their credit files thanks to changes that are also helping more retailers warm up to the law...

FCC coming to town to teach about DTV

Posted on September 03, 2008
Curious what the transition from analog to digital TV means to you? Hear it from the experts at the Federal Communications Commission next month when they visit our state for three public workshops.

Credit and debit card blocking can sour weekend travels - so be careful!

Posted on August 29, 2008
Traveling this holiday weekend?  You should be aware of credit and debit card blocking and plan the finances for your trip accordingly.

Beware of a new Facebook Virus

Posted on August 29, 2008
There is a virus circulating the web right now that is targeting Facebook users.  This virus is being spread through a well-disguised e-mail that appears to be a video from a friend.

Find a good electrician before you need one

Posted on August 28, 2008
KING TV's report about an 82-year-old woman who paid an unregistered contractor $579 for a furnace repair is good example of why you must check out businesses you hire for emergency fixes ...Talk about it: What resources help you determine which professionals to hire?

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