Scams

May 8, 2007 -- LANSING - Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox today announced that former Alcona County Treasurer, Tom Katona, 56, has pled guilty as charged to embezzlement and forgery charges.

"Today is a victory for the people of Alcona County and the State of Michigan," said Cox. "My office is committed to protecting the trust in public officials and is committed to making sure public officials who violate their oath are held responsible."    » read more »

Morrison warns Kansas consumers to be wary following weather disaster

May 7, 2007 -- Kansas Attorney General Paul Morrison today warned Kansans to be wary as they begin the clean-up and rebuilding process following the recent severe weather that damaged Kansas communities.

“My heart goes out to the hundreds of Kansans whose homes were devastated by the recent tornado and severe weather that struck Kansas,” Morrison said. “Unfortunately, the media coverage of a disaster area can often bring fraudulent contractors, price gouging and other con artists to a community.”    » read more »

May 4, 2007 -- Des Moines. Publishers Clearing House and other companies that use sweepstakes to promote their mail-order products appear to be draining the income of many older Iowans, says Atty. General Tom Miller.

Miller is warning Iowans to be wary of sweepstakes mailings that induce older Iowans to believe – falsely – that they may be close to winning a major sweepstakes prize, and that their chances of winning may go up if they order more merchandise or magazines.    » read more »

May 3, 2007 -- Maine Securities Administrator Stephen L. Diamond today issued a warning to Maine citizens to beware of what appears to be a pyramid scheme directed at farmers in Maine and across the nation.    » read more »

Announcement follows declaration of a state of emergency

May 3, 2007 -- TALLAHASSEE, FL – Following the Florida Governor’s official declaration of a state of emergency due to wildfires and drought conditions threatening the State of Florida, Attorney General Bill McCollum today urged Floridians and visitors to take all necessary precautions.

The Attorney General also reminded Florida residents that the price gouging hotline has been activated and encouraged citizens to contact the Attorney General’s Office if they suspect they are the victims of price gouging or fraud.    » read more »

May 1, 2007 -- The following is a summary of some of the frauds and scams reported to New Mexico Attorney General Gary King’s office during April. This is not a comprehensive list, but rather an overview of what has been reported to the Attorney General’s Office since the beginning of the month.

The usual: Lotteries/Sweepstakes, Nigerian Scams, Business Opportunities and Phishing Scams    » read more »

Price gouging, contractor, charity ploys are common in the aftermath of a storm

April 26, 2007 -- EAGLE PASS – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today warned residents of Maverick County and other border communities to be wary of price gouging and fraudulent attempts to bilk homeowners and other consumers in the aftermath of Tuesday’s damaging tornadoes.    » read more »

April 23, 2007 -- OLYMPIA -- Washington Secretary of State Sam Reed and Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna urge citizens to watch out for scam artists playing off legitimate charitable efforts following the tragic shootings at Virginia Tech.

"Following devastating tragedies such as this, scam artists often strike and mimic official charities that raise money for victims,” cautioned Reed. “Washingtonians are very generous - we just want to make sure citizens are careful who they give to.”    » read more »

April 23, 2007 -- Jefferson City, Mo. — Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon says his office already has hundreds of complaints this year about home repair contractors, and he says that number will just keep growing. As spring and summer arrive and more Missourians have work done on their homes, Nixon is urging consumers to watch out for tell-tale signs of fraud.    » read more »

April 23, 2007 -- Chicago – Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan today is warning consumers about an unsolicited e-mail currently circulating claiming that the recipient has won the Illinois Lottery. The e-mail is part of a scam designed to defraud money and gain personal information from consumers. It is not authorized by the Illinois Lottery, which never notifies winners by e-mail.    » read more »