Scams

January 9, 2008 -- LAS VEGAS -- Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto announced today that District Court Judge Elizabeth Gonzales sentenced Nancy Nash to serve 4 to 10 years in Nevada State prison, with an equal and consecutive term of 4 to 10 years as an elder enhancement penalty, in connection with her plea of guilty to feloniously operating a continuing legal enterprise to sell unregistered securities to elderly victims in Nevada.    » read more »

“PCH has a track record of exploiting older Iowans,” said Attorney General Tom Miller.

December 18, 2007 -- Des Moines -- Publishers Clearing House must reform how the company handles older Iowans who spend large sums on magazines and merchandise in pursuit of a sweepstakes prize. PCH also has refunded more than $60,000 to elderly victims, including some with refunds over $10,000.    » read more »

December 20, 2007 -- LOS ANGELES -- California Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. and Insurance Commission Steve Poizner today announced a $7.2 million settlement with American Investors Life Insurance Company, Family First Insurance Services, and Family First Advanced Estate Planning, resolving allegations that the companies sold thousands of annuities with exorbitant fees to vulnerable senior citizens.    » read more »

December 19, 2007 -- TRENTON - New Jersey Attorney General Anne Milgram and Criminal Justice Director Gregory A. Paw announced today that a Mercer County man has been charged in a state grand jury indictment for his role in an insurance fraud and identity theft scam.

According to Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Greta Gooden Brown, Daniel L. Martin, aka Paul B. Harris, Jr., aka Preston C. Adams, aka Preston Adams, 46, Trenton, was charged with second-degree insurance fraud and three counts of second-degree identity theft.    » read more »

December 18, 2007 -- TALLAHASSEE, FL – Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced that his office has sued two Central Florida companies that allegedly cooperated together to perpetrate an unfair and misleading cash rebate program. Unsuspecting consumers received the “rebates” from CashBack America after purchasing big ticket items, only then to discover that the rebates supposedly redeemable by United States Administrative Services could not be redeemed for up to 54 months.    » read more »

December 14, 2007 -- Las Vegas, NV - Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto and Secretary of State Ross Miller are warning all Nevadans to beware of fraudulent foreclosure rescue schemes. Recent reports place Nevada first in the nation for its number of foreclosures. This has led to an increase in the number of foreclosure scams reported to law enforcement authorities.    » read more »

Dec 14, 2007 -- LITTLE ROCK – More than 400,000 Arkansans are enrolled in Medicare, and recently, the Arkansas Attorney General's Office has received numerous complaints about a phishing scheme targeting these beneficiaries. While this scam is not new, Attorney General Dustin McDaniel issued this consumer alert today to warn consumers about its recurrence.    » read more »

12/13/2007 -- In the wake of our state’s winter storms, Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson today warned consumers to be wary of the possibility for clean-up-related-scams.

“People are anxious to clean up their yards and begin the process of putting their homes and their lives back in order,” Edmondson said. “Unfortunately, there are people who will take advantage of the desperation of others. I just want to encourage Oklahomans to take steps to protect themselves and their wallets from further victimization.”    » read more »

December 13, 2007 -- Raleigh -- North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper today warned North Carolina consumers to be skeptical of post cards or telephone calls claiming that their car warranties are about to expire.

“These offers target seniors and other car owners with post cards and phone calls that sound urgent,” said Cooper, whose office is investigating the post cards and calls. “They want to pressure you into buying an expensive car warranty. Don’t let a high-pressure sales pitch talk you into something you don’t want or need."    » read more »

Recovers More Than $3.2 Million; Company Operated as a Ponzi Scheme

BALTIMORE, MD (December 13, 2007) - Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler announced today that the Securities Commissioner has reached a settlement with First Cash Express, Inc. and its owner Alvin Ambrose. The Commissioner found that First Cash Express and Ambrose violated the antifraud provisions of the Maryland Securities Act by misrepresenting the company’s history and legal status, and failing to explain the risks associated with an investment in First Cash Express, Inc.    » read more »

Dec. 12, 2007 -- Carson City, NV – Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto announces a new scam to obtain personal information for the purpose of committing identify theft where callers pose as a court employee and claim they are calling in regard to jury duty.    » read more »

December 10, 2007 -- Jefferson City, Mo. — Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon says Kansas City-area consumers are receiving phone calls that appear to be from Mazuma Credit Union, but actually are from identity thieves. An official-sounding phone call says the customer’s account has been suspended because of fraud, then asks them to call a toll-free number to reactivate the account. When they call the number, consumers are asked for their credit card number.    » read more »

December 7, 2007 -- Chicago - Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan today urged fans purchasing tickets and making travel arrangements to attend the 2008 Rose Bowl to exercise caution and be wary of last-minute bargains.

“ Illinois fans should be on the lookout for fraudulent ticket and travel scams,” Madigan said. “As the bowl season approaches, there are con artists ready to take advantage of fans who want to join in the festivities.”

Madigan offered the following tips and information regarding ticket sales and travel arrangements.

TICKETS    » read more »

December 06, 2007 -- OLYMPIA – Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna today cautioned Washington residents to beware of possible flood-related scams including fraudulent home repair offers and charity appeals.

“As the flood waters recede, scam artists may move into the area to prey on both victims and those who want to help them,” McKenna said. “Watch out for questionable contractors, phony charity pitches and cons posing as government officials.”

Offers to help with repairs and cleanup    » read more »

Credit card fraud, "phishing" and other scams often more frequent during peak of holiday shopping

December 6, 2007 -- TALLAHASSEE, FL – Colorado Attorney General Bill McCollum today advised Floridians to be careful when using credit and debit cards to pay for gifts during this holiday shopping season in order to avoid becoming victims of identity theft. The Attorney General also cautioned consumers about a "phishing" scam that has surfaced recently, threatening to expose consumers’ personal financial information.    » read more »