Consumer Protection

Detailed description of how to avoid becoming a victim of Internet fraud. Included are a general tips and tips regarding specific types of fraud including: advance fee loans, business opportunities, charity scams, credit card loss protection, general merchandise sales, Internet access services, job placement service scams, Nigerian money offers, prizes and sweepstakes, scholarship scams, work-at-home scams, bogus credit card offers, buyers clubs, computer equipment and software, credit repair, information and entertainment services, investment scams, magazine sales, online auctions, pyramids and multilevel marketing, and travel fraud. Some of the tips describe marketing practices that are illegal and list steps consumers should take if they have become a victim of fraud.

How can I determine if an email or Internet advertisement is legitimate?

How can I avoid becoming a victim of Internet fraud?

How can I determine whether a credit card offer, loan offer, Internet service offer, job placement service, prize or sweepstakes offer, scholarship search service, charity, business or investment opportunity, magazine offer, travel offer is legitimate?

Should I use a credit card to make purchases on the Internet?

Where can I find consumer information specifically for teens?

Where can I find information for my teen about buying a car and other transportation issues?

Where can I find information for teens or young adults about their rights and responsibilities?

Where can I find consumer information for teens about living on their own?

Where can I find resources for teens that explain health, safety and privacy issues?

A consumer information resource for teens broken down into the six subtopics of Transportation, Rights and Responsibilities, On Your Own, Privacy Issues, Health/Safety, Buying Goods and Services, and Finances. Each category includes information related to teens' legal and consumer needs. Designed by high school students to educate their peers.

Where can I find information on consumer law in Washington State?

What information does the Office of the Attorney General provide for consumers?

What rights do consumers have?

Links to consumer information on the OAG web site. Some information is available in Russian and Spanish. Top Consumer Problem Areas include Communications, Retail Sales, Electronic Shopping, Motor Vehicle Sales, Collections, Credit/Mortgages, Internet Service Providers, Contractors, Credit card Issuers and Motor Vehicle Repair. Information is also available on Online Auctions, Buying or Leasing Cars, Camping Clubs, Cancellation Rights, Charities, Consumer Disputes, ConsumerLine, Credit, Dealing with Death, Prescription Drug Prices, Hiring a Contractor, Health Clubs, Internet Services (Cramming), Privacy/Identity Theft, Junk Email, Landlord/Tenant, Lemon Law, Public Records, Pyramid Schemes, Senior Scams, Telemarketing Fraud, Travel, Unwanted Mail and Wireless.

Comprehensive guide, in a question and answer format, to Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") regulations of advertising by businesses. Intended for small businesses, but can also function as a consumer guide to illegal advertising practices. Topics covered include: what makes an advertisement unfair or deceptive, penalties that can be imposed and consumer remedies for violations, and specific rules for certain types of products and advertisements such as contests and sweepstakes, drugs, bait and switch advertising, and free trials and rebate offers. Includes links to more detailed information about many of the covered topics.

What business advertising practices are illegal?

What laws protect me from false advertising and unfair or deceptive acts by businesses?

When is an advertisement considered unfair or deceptive?