06/28/18

ATTORNEY GENERAL ALERT: Staying Safe This Fourth of July

LITTLE ROCK – Fireworks are an Independence Day tradition that can be dangerous, if not deadly, if not properly handled. As Arkansans begin to plan for Independence Day, it is important to keep in mind that the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports eight fatalities and an estimated 12,900 injuries related to fireworks in the U.S. in 2017.

“Fireworks are a staple at July 4 celebrations across Arkansas,” said Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “While some families attend community fireworks displays, some decide to put on their own show. I urge extreme caution when lighting fireworks because improper use can lead to fires, serious injury or even death.”

Attorney General Rutledge released the following tips for consumers planning their own holiday fireworks show:

Only buy fireworks from a licensed store, tent or stand.

Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area.

Read and follow all warnings and instructions.

Supervise children at all times and make sure adults light every firework, including sparklers, which can reach 2,000 degrees.
 

Make sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.

Never relight a malfunctioning firework. Soak the duds in water and throw them away.

Do not shoot fireworks from metal or glass containers.

Keep a water hose or bucket of water nearby in case of a fire.

Arkansas’s “Fireworks Act” restricts the types of fireworks that can be sold in the State and the amount of explosive material that each firework may contain.

Firework vendors are required to have a State license. They may not sell fireworks to anyone under the age of 12 or to anyone who appears to be intoxicated. Municipal ordinances may also restrict or regulate fireworks sales and use.

State law only allows exploding fireworks to be sold each year from June 20 to July 10 and from Dec. 10 to Jan. 5. Non-exploding items, such as sparklers and snakes, may be sold throughout the year.

Also consider securing pets during local fireworks displays as many get scared of the loud noises and may try to find a way to get away and seek shelter.

For more information and tips on how to avoid a scam, call the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office at (800) 482-8982 or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.

 

06/14/18

ATTORNEY GENERAL ALERT: The Favorite Grandchild Scam

LITTLE ROCK – A panicked phone call from a person claiming to be a relative needing money right away to get him or her out of some sort of trouble pulls at the heartstrings of elderly Arkansans, but this is more than likely a scam. Con artists continue to disguise themselves as close relatives or favorite grandchildren caught in serious trouble and in need of money wired immediately, often to a location out of the country. With wire transfers similar to cash, the money cannot be retrieved.

“These criminals are ruthless and will stop at nothing to take advantage of innocent Arkansans,” said Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “The favorite grandchild scam is common and scary. Protecting the elderly is a priority of my office and it is important to educate all Arkansans about this issue.”

Attorney General Rutledge recommends the following strategies to avoid falling victim to the “favorite grandson” scheme:

Resist pressure to act quickly.

Never give or wire money based on any unsolicited phone call.

Verify the family member’s location by directly calling another family member or the grandchild.

Do not send money to an unknown account or entity.

Ask the caller for his or her name, and if they cannot provide it, hang up immediately.

Have a plan in place when family members are traveling to easily identify whether or not a need is genuine.

For more information and tips on how to avoid a scam, call the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office at (800) 482-8982 or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.

 

06/06/18

Apps Allow Teens to Hide Photos from Parents

LITTLE ROCK – With kids home for the summer, parents need to know about dangerous phone apps available that allow their kids to actively conceal information, photos and texts from their parents. These apps can easily be downloaded onto any mobile device and have unassuming icons designed to mislead a casual observer and veil their secretive nature. One popular application or app appears to be a calculator. It even functions as a calculator, until the user enters a specific code. The app then opens up to a secret vault of photos and videos that can be stored in the app for sharing, without being detected in the phone’s photo album.

“The world of secret apps is scary for parents across Arkansas,” said Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “Parents should dig deeper into their child’s phone and ask questions about new apps that have been downloaded. The best way to educate our children about internet safety is to be educated ourselves.”

Attorney General Rutledge and Common Sense Media shared the following tips for parents to consider when discussing this topic with their children.

Talk to teens about using phones responsibly and respecting privacy.

Remind teens that taking and/or sharing embarrassing or revealing pictures often comes back to haunt people, so resist the temptation.

Consider that kids might not be trying to hide photos from parents but from nosy friends. If that is the case, try to find out why.
Do a spot check to see which apps have used the camera. This will reveal any camera apps disguised as something else. (On iPhones go into Settings -> Privacy -> Camera)

There are also apps available to help parents monitor their child’s device. Apps like SecureTeen Parental Control or Parental Control Board are helpful to parents to know who kids are texting, what music they are buying and many other things.

The Attorney General’s office also produces materials for students of all ages, along with parents and guardians to learn more about online and internet safety.

For more information and tips to avoid scams and other consumer-related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@arkansasag.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.

 

 

06/01/18

Scammers Use Fake Sweepstakes to Steal Cash

LITTLE ROCK – Any prize that requires a processing fee or personal financial information is a scam. Con artists are trying to convince Arkansans that they have won a sweepstakes or lottery but in order to get the prize, they must pay a fee or fill out a form to provide banking information for the scammer to “deposit the money.”

“A legitimate prize should never cost a consumer money,” said Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “Consumers need to be cautious when receiving unsolicited phone calls or emails. Arkansans work hard for their money and these criminals continue to plot to find ways to steal it. We should all remain vigilant in protecting our money and privacy.”

Attorney General Rutledge released the following tips to help consumers spot one of these scams:
 

• Consumers should not try to collect winnings from a sweepstakes they do not remember entering.

• Never give out personal financial information.

• Do not pay money up front in an attempt to claim a prize.

• Always remember, if it looks or seems too good to be true, it most likely is.

• Scammers often use the name of legitimate businesses, like Publishers Clearinghouse, or a similar name to trick consumers into turning over their information.

Consumers should ignore all unsolicited sweepstakes prizes and immediately contact the Attorney General’s Office to report the call or email. When money is wired, especially to a foreign country, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to get it returned.

For more information and tips to avoid scams and other consumer-related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@arkansasag.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.

 

 

05/24/18

Apple Support Advisor Scam Uses Scare Tactics

LITTLE ROCK – Scammers unrelenting phone call tactics are used to convince Arkansans of suspicious activity in Apple iCloud accounts, stating the user must contact Apple Support Advisor immediately. The automated calls that appear to be from Dallas, Nebraska, Hawaii and other locations, ask Arkansans to press 1 or call 925-244-1845 to connect with the company, but this is a scam.

“These deceptive phone calls can often sound legitimate and may scare some Apple users into following the caller’s instructions,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “But the caller is likely to ask for remote access to the computer to change settings and trick the user into installing malware. The caller could also convince the user to enroll in a fake maintenance program and ask for credit card information to complete the purchase. Arkansans should never turn over any personal or financial information during an unsolicited phone call and should confirm caller ID and call back numbers from an independent search.”

Attorney General Rutledge and the Federal Trade Commission released the following tips for Arkansans who receive this call, or get a similar pop-up message on the computer:

Hang up on unexpected or urgent call from anyone claiming to be tech support. It’s not a real call. And do not rely on caller ID to prove who a caller is because criminals can spoof the phone number they are calling from.

Do not give personal or banking information over the phone to an unknown individual.

If asked to pay for anything with a prepaid gift card, then it is a scam.

Ignore pop-up message on the computer or a mobile device encouraging the user to call tech support. There are legitimate pop-ups from security software to do things like update operating systems. But do not call a number that pops up on the screen in a warning about a computer problem.

Call the security software company directly if there is reason for concern – but do not use the phone number in the pop-up or on caller ID. Instead, look for the company’s contact information online or a receipt.

Never share passwords or give control of a computer to an unsolicited caller.

My office has received reports of Arkansans receiving multiple calls a day from different numbers, all with the same recordings.

For more information about consumer-related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@ArkansasAG.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.

 

05/17/18

ATTORNEY GENERAL ALERT: Vacationers Beware of Travel Scams

LITTLE ROCK – Arkansans should be aware of common scams when planning or taking a vacation this summer.

“Countless Arkansans look to summer vacation as a chance to get away and relax, but con artists become creative and recognize this as another opportunity to steal from honest people,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “Arkansans should not let their guard down, even on vacation. Whether it’s at home, on the beach or by the lake, we all need to remain diligent in protecting our money and personal information.”

All vacationers should exercise caution when booking travel accommodations. Some scammers will take to the internet or phone lines to pitch free or deeply discounted travel deals, trying to convince unknowing vacationers that the only requirement is a “small” processing fee or credit card number verification. Others will post stolen photos and listing information for properties they do not own, take the cash from reservations and leave vacationers without a place to stay.

Arkansans should not only keep their guard up during the booking process, but also throughout the vacation itself. Vacationers should be weary of high-pressure tactics and seemingly legitimate but unverified offers while on their trips.

Attorney General Rutledge also released the below list of common scams consumers could encounter on vacation.

Gasoline Scam: Someone approaches with a convincing story that they ran out of gas and money. They only need $40 to fill up the tank and may even offer to mail a check to repay you. The likelihood that the repayment will be received is slim. Either refuse to give the person money or pay for the fuel if the person is at the service station to ensure the money is spent as intended.

Ride Service Scam: A “driver” approaches and mentions he is off duty but trying to make some extra money and offers a ride, but he ends up taking the scenic route traveling miles out of the way to boost the fare. To avoid this scam, ensure the driver is on duty, licensed and metered.
Fake Front Desk Phone Call Scam: Scam artists call hotel rooms directly, often in the middle of the night while guests are disoriented by being woken up. They say there has been a computer glitch and they need to verify your credit card information. Hang up and go directly to the front desk to verify the call.

Wi-Fi Hot Spot Scam: Crooks can create their own Wi-Fi spot and give it a similar name to an actual hotspot. Then these scammers can spy on everything the user does, from accessing bank accounts to making online purchases. Be sure to ask the hotel or restaurant what their Wi-Fi name is before logging on.

It is possible to find a good travel deal or even win a vacation. However, Arkansans should do their homework when booking and remember that if an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

For more information about consumer-related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@ArkansasAG.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.

 

05/02/18

ATTORNEY GENERAL ALERT: The Dangers of Unwashed Poppy Seeds

LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge is warning consumers about a lethal opioid that may be lurking in their kitchen pantries – unwashed poppy seeds. After meeting with parents who lost a child to these seemingly innocent seeds, Attorney General Rutledge wants to ensure that all Arkansans are educated about the dangers. While washed poppy seeds are a safe and popular ingredient in everything from baked goods to salad dressings, some individuals are engaging in the dangerous behavior of making a “tea” with the unwashed seeds to settle their nerves or to get a high.

“The brewing and consumption of unwashed poppy seed tea is a dangerous trend with potentially lethal consequences,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “Unwashed poppy seeds are available from many online retailers and could be easily confused for the commonly-used washed variety. Arkansans should ensure that they are purchasing and using the correct variety of poppy seeds since the unwashed seeds can be dangerous, addictive and even lethal.”

Attorney General Rutledge released the following tips for consumers shopping online who may have purchased unwashed poppy seeds instead of washed by mistake.

Thoroughly review the order to ensure you are ordering the product(s) you searched for.

Carefully research the product by reading manufacturer information, consumer reviews and other literature to determine whether the seeds are washed or unwashed.

Read and understand the refund and shipping policies before you make your purchase. Look closely at disclosures about the seller’s refund and shipping policies.

If possible, use credit cards for payment. Credit card purchases are the most secure and easiest to return. And under federal law, you can dispute the charges if you do not get what you were promised.

Arkansas consumers should also be aware of the overdose risks that may come with unwashed poppy seeds. Recent research found that the unwashed seeds can have an opium latex on them that is activated during the tea brewing process. Morphine levels vary widely among unwashed seeds, ranging from trace to lethal amounts, and consumers should be cautious and thoroughly research the products they are purchasing.

For more information about consumer-related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@ArkansasAG.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.

 

04/19/18

ATTORNEY GENERAL ALERT: Storm Victims Seek Repairs

LITTLE ROCK – Con artists are trying to take advantage of Arkansans who suffered property damage from the eleven tornados that touched down across our state last Friday, April 13. Damage is strung from the northwest corner to the southeast corner of the Natural State, leaving countless storm victims vulnerable to scams as they assess the damage and seek repairs this week.

“Home repair scams are common following severe weather and place additional strain on hard working Arkansans when repairs aren’t completed as promised,” said Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “These bad actors prey on victims of severe weather and take advantage of the unexpected and urgent nature of storm damage repairs. I urge all Arkansans to stay alert and use caution as they begin the clean-up process.”

Attorney General Rutledge released the following tips to ensure they hire a reputable contractor to complete the repairs:

Beware of door-to-door solicitors selling home-repair work. To find someone reputable, ask friends or family who have recently used a home-repair contractor or professional. Consider contacting the Arkansas Contractor’s Licensing Board to verify that the contractor is licensed and has not had any complaints filed against it.

Avoid any home-repair solicitor who asks for an upfront payment or who will not provide you with a written contract.

Get at least three written estimates. A reputable contractor or professional will never try to pressure you to obtain your business.

Obtain and check at least three references from your contractor or professional.
Check with the Attorney General’s office or the Better Business Bureau to find out if the company has a complaint history.

Obtain a written and detailed contract that includes the grade, quality, name brand and quantity of any materials to be used. The name and address of the contractor must be on the contract.

Avoid paying for the entire job up front. One-third paid in advance, one-third paid halfway through the job and one-third paid upon completion is a better plan, helping assure that your project will be completed. Never make the final payment until you have had an opportunity to inspect the work.

Remember that all contracts resulting from a home-solicitation sale generally must include a buyer’s right to cancel within three business days after the contract is signed.
Make sure all warranties and guarantees are in writing.

For more information and tips to avoid scams and other consumer-related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@arkansasag.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.

 

03/21/18

Attorney General Alert: Predators Exploiting App Popular with Children

LITTLE ROCK – A seemingly innocent mobile phone application is now being used by child predators to exploit children. Recent news reports explain a dark side of the lip syncing app, Musical.ly, where predatory users manipulate keywords and hashtags to create secret video groupings of app users, often children, engaging in inappropriate behavior at the encouragement of other users.

“As adults, it is our job to protect our children,” said Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “Aunts, uncles, moms, dads, grandparents and family friends should all educate themselves about the latest apps the children in their lives are using. We must also make every effort to talk with children about the dangers of posting personal information online and the ways that information can be spread across the world – sometimes into the hands of people who do not have good intentions.”

Attorney General Rutledge released the following tips for children and families to remember when posting online and using apps.

Do not respond to messages that are inappropriate. Encourage children to tell an adult if they ever encounter anything that makes them feel uncomfortable.

Parents and guardians should consider using available parental controls offered at no cost by most providers and/or downloading a monitoring service app that allows them to view the child’s smartphone activity.

Children should never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone they met online as they may not be who they say they are.

Follow the “Front Page Rule,” which reminds social media users not to put anything on a social media site they would not want to see on the front page of a newspaper.

Assume that status updates, photos and videos posted on social networks are permanent. Just because a profile is deleted or information is removed, older versions can continue to exist on other sites.

Make a unique password for every social media site. Consider making the passwords stronger by adding numbers or special characters. Having strong, unique passwords for each site helps prevent hackers from taking over social media accounts to send spam, scam friends or use information against the owner of the account.

Musical.ly is a popular app that boasts use by millions of people around the world every day. Users can create 15 to 60 second videos, adding music and filters to post on the site and for others to comment or “like.”

In 2016, Rutledge teamed up with Common Sense Media and AT&T to adopt the Digital You training program, which offers tools, tips, apps and guidance about staying safe online for people of all levels of online experience. Digital You training is available to parents and teachers across the State to teach them the latest internet safety tips, and encourage the implementation of lessons about staying safe online.

Concerned parents are encouraged to report instances of online exploitation of children, including unsolicited obscene materials sent to a child and misleading words on the internet, to the CyberTipline at http://www.missingkids.org/gethelpnow/cybertipline.

For more information and tips to avoid scams and other consumer-related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@arkansasag.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.

 

12/27/2017

CONSUMER ALERT: Research New Year’s Resolutions

LITTLE ROCK – Resolving to improve your fitness in the new year is a popular resolution, but Arkansans need to make sure they don’t get taken advantage of while trying to trim down after the holidays.

“The new year always seems like the perfect time for a fresh start,” said Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “But we still need to keep our guard up and thoroughly research gym membership options to find the right fit for our specific needs. Taking a little extra time to find the perfect place will make our personal goals easier to reach in 2018.”

Attorney General Rutledge released the following tips for Arkansans to consider if you think a gym is the best choice for you:

•Visit the gym during the hours you would normally use it to see if it is overcrowded. Notice whether the facilities and equipment are clean and well-maintained.

•Consider the hours of operation when deciding on a gym membership.

•Ask if the facility provides instructors or trainers. Many gyms will provide trainers for an additional cost.

•Find out if the membership offers fitness classes and childcare and if they are included or require additional costs.

•Inquire about the fees and schedule and if the facility requires a contract and auto-draft payments.

•Ask about trial periods. Is there a time to sample the services and equipment for free and without any obligation to join?

Many gyms offer incentives to join during this time of year, but be cautious of high pressure sales tactics or opportunities that seem too good to be true. Do the math to ensure the monthly and annual costs are affordable. And make sure everything discussed with the sales representative is stated in the written contract before signing on the dotted line.

Carefully review the cancellation terms of any gym contract prior to joining it. The Arkansas Health Spa Consumer Protection Act requires gym contracts to allow consumers to cancel a membership within three days of signing the contract and their money must be refunded within 30 days of cancellation. Consumers may also cancel a membership due to death, permanent and total disability or moving more than 50 miles away from the gym location, unless another location exists with the same company at the consumer’s new residence location.

The office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion encourages adults to do aerobic physical activity about 30 minutes, five times per week, and muscle-strengthening activities at least two days per week. StateofObesity.org recently released new data for 2016 and Arkansas is tied for the third most obese state in the country, with a 35.7% obesity rate.

For more information about consumer-related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@ArkansasAG.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.

 

12/06/17

CONSUMER ALERT: Getting the Most Out of Gift Cards


LITTLE ROCK – Consumers should always be aware of the hidden costs of gift cards, including inactivity fees and expiration dates that may render the card worthless. That information should be clearly disclosed on the card or its packaging and both givers and recipients need to read about each card to make sure they do not miss out on a portion of the money on the card.

“Many of us look for the perfect gift for family and friends, and sometimes that is a gift card,” said Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “Gift cards allow recipients to select their own gift or go out to eat without the burden of spending their own money. But recipients also have a responsibility to make sure they keep track of the card and get the most out of the gift.”

Attorney General Rutledge released the following tips for consumers who are planning to use a gift card:

•Read the card’s terms and conditions. Check for an expiration date or fees.
•If it appears that the value of your card has expired or that fees have been deducted, contact the card issuer. It may honor the card or reverse the fees.
•Ask the person giving you the card for the card’s terms and conditions, the original purchase receipt or the card’s ID number. Keep this information in a safe place.
•Use your card as soon as you can to avoid misplacing or forgetting about it.
•If your card is lost or stolen, report it to the issuer immediately. Some will not replace lost or stolen cards, but others will for a fee. Expect to show proof of purchase and the ID number on the card.
Meanwhile, when purchasing a gift card, buyers should use only trusted sources, consider the financial condition of the retailer or restaurant and keep the original receipt so the recipient can verify the card’s purchase if it is lost or stolen.

If a recipient experiences problems with a gift card, contact the card issuer.

For more information about consumer-related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@ArkansasAG.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.

 

 

11/15/17

CONSUMER ALERT: Online Shopping Safety

LITTLE ROCK – Identity thieves and other con artists do not take time off during the holidays. In fact, these criminals often ramp up their schemes to target Arkansans during holiday shopping. Many of us are making more purchases than normal, especially online, which means there are more credit and debit card transactions to track.

According to the National Retail Federation, 59 percent of consumers cited online shopping as the most popular shopping destination this year. They also expect holiday sales to increase nearly 4 percent over last year. That means consumers are expected to spend an average of $967.13 this year on gifts.

“Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals mean Arkansans will be shopping more,” said Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “Most of us save all year for the holiday season and we should remember to be cautious to ensure online shopping experiences are positive and safe.”

Attorney General Rutledge released the following tips to help keep consumers safe while shopping online:
Look for the “lock” icon on the browser’s status bar, and the phrase “https” in the URL to be sure information is secure to help guard the security of your information as it is transmitted to a website. Be sure your browser has the most up-to-date encryption capabilities by using the latest version available from the manufacturer.
Check the online merchant’s privacy policy before providing any personal financial information and determine how the information will be used or shared with others. Some websites’ disclosures are easier to find than others — look at the bottom of the home page, on order forms or in the “About” or “FAQs” sections of a site.
Read and understand refund and shipping policies before you make your purchase.
Pay by credit card, which is the most secure payment method. Under federal law, charges can be disputed and consumer liability for theft is limited so long as consumers promptly notify the bank or credit card issuer. Additionally, many credit card issuers have “zero liability” policies under which the purchaser pays nothing if their credit card is stolen and used to make unauthorized purchases.
Keep personal information private. Do not disclose personal information – address, telephone number, Social Security number, bank account number or email address – unless you know who is collecting the information, why they are collecting it and how they will use it.
Be cautious when buying gifts from an online auction. Understand how the auction works and check out the seller’s reputation before bidding. Always ask about terms of delivery and return options. Never wire money for the purchase; use some other form of payment.
Keep records of online transactions and check for emails from merchants while doing business. Merchants may email important information about purchases.
Promptly and thoroughly review monthly credit card and bank statements for any errors or unauthorized purchases. Notify the credit or debit card issuer immediately if a card or checkbook is lost or stolen or if you suspect someone is using your accounts without your permission.

Also, research companies before finalizing the online purchase to ensure it is a credible merchant, and check the anticipated delivery date to make sure it will be delivered in time for the holidays.

For more information about consumer-related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@ArkansasAG.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.
 

 

11/10/17

CONSUMER ALERT: Debt Relief Scams

LITTLE ROCK – There is no “quick” and “easy” way to eliminate debt and those that say it can be done are scams. Debt is a crippling crisis for some people across the Natural State. Whether it is credit card debt, student loan debt or outstanding medical bills, Arkansans want to find a way out.

“It is possible to get out of debt and there are many programs which offer assistance,” said Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “But there is no easy answer. Getting out of debt takes a lot of hard work and sacrifice and any organization that promotes an easy process is likely a scam and Arkansans should avoid falling for their tricks, which are likely to only create additional financial woes.”

Attorney General Rutledge released the following list of red flags that could signal an unscrupulous entity:
Charges any more than a nominal fee before it settles your debts.
Pressures you to make “voluntary contributions.” That is just another name for fees.
Touts a “new government program” to bail out personal credit card debt.
Guarantees it can make your unsecured debt go away.
Tells you to stop communicating with your creditors.
Tells you it can stop all debt collection calls and lawsuits.
Promises that your unsecured debts can be paid off for just pennies on the dollar.
Refuses to send you free information about the services it provides unless you provide personal financial information, such as credit card numbers and balances.
Tries to enroll you in a debt relief program without spending time reviewing your financial situation.
Offers to enroll you in a debt relief program that does not include budgeting and money-management skills training.
Demands that you make payments into a debt relief program before your creditors have accepted you into the program.

There are many legitimate programs and strategies for dealing with difficult financial circumstances. For more information about consumer-related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@ArkansasAG.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.
 

10/18/17

CONSUMER ALERT
Statewide Prescription Drug Take Back is October 28
 

LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas State Crime Laboratory and Medical Examiner’s Office report hundreds of Arkansans died in 2016 from drug overdoses, with nearly 40 percent of those deaths from Pulaski, Sebastian and Washington counties.

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge is encouraging Arkansans to clean out their medicine cabinets and bring any unused or expired medications to one of the state’s more than 100 Prescription Drug Take Back Day drop-off locations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28.

“Oftentimes teens first use prescription painkillers by stealing the pills from a family member’s medicine cabinet,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “The abuse and overdoes statistics are staggering, but cleaning out medicine cabinets and turning the expired and unused medications over to law enforcement during a Drug Take Back event can save lives.”

Rutledge released the following list of medications that will be accepted at these events:

•Opioids, such as OxyContin
•Stimulants, such as Adderall
•Depressants, such as Ativan
•Other prescription medications
•Over-the-counter medicines
•Vitamins
•Pet medicines
•Medicated ointments and lotions
•Inhalers
•Liquid medicines in glass or leak-proof containers (up to 12 ounces)
•Medicine samples

Medications may be returned in the original bottle or in any other container for increased privacy and will be properly destroyed by law enforcement officials.

Medicines that are flushed or poured down the drain can end up polluting waters, which could contaminate food and water supplies. Many medicines are not removed by wastewater treatment plants or septic systems. Turning over these medications at Take Back Day events also reduces the risk of accidental poisonings by children, seniors or pets, as well as reduces the risk of drug abuse.

To find event sites and year-round drop-off locations near you, visit ARTakeBack.org. The Attorney General’s office also hosts Drug Take Back events at mobile offices around the state.

Rutledge is partnering on the Prescription Drug Take Back Day with the Arkansas Department of Health, Department of Human Services, Arkansas National Guard, Arkansas Rotary Clubs, Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy, FBI, Office of the State Drug Director, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and over 130 additional law enforcement and government agencies, community organizations and public health providers.

For more information about consumer-related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@ArkansasAG.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.

 

10/13/17

 

CONSUMER ALERT: Help with Tech Support

LITTLE ROCK – Tech Support Scams continue to be on the rise as con artists will call, email or send pop-up windows claiming to be a technician from well-known companies like Apple or Microsoft. In these cases, there is no real problem but tech support makes contact claiming to have the fix your device needs.

These fake techs will claim to see a problem that you cannot see, such as a virus or malware, and request remote access to the device. The scammer may then tell you the only way to fix it is to download unnecessary and likely harmful software and to wire money.

“As part of Cyber Security Awareness Month, it’s important for Arkansans to watch out for unexpected pop-ups, phone calls or spam emails, offering quick fixes to a computer or tablet,” said Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “These criminals will be very convincing, but if you have not noticed a problem then there likely is not one and you do not need tech support.”

Attorney General Rutledge and the Federal Trade Commission offer the following tips on how to spot a Tech Support Scam:

Asking for remote access to your computer – which lets them change your computer settings so your computer is vulnerable to attack.

Malware may be installed, giving them access to your computer and sensitive data, like user names and passwords.
They will try to sell software that’s worthless, or that you could get elsewhere for free

They will try to enroll you in a worthless computer maintenance or warranty program.

Asking for credit card information so they can bill for phony services, or services you could get elsewhere for free
Direct you to websites and ask you to enter a credit card number and other personal information.

If Arkansans are concerned about their computer or other device, call a security software company directly.

For more information and tips to avoid scams and other consumer-related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@arkansasag.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.

 

 

10/04/17

 

CONSUMER ALERT: Stealing Deals


LITTLE ROCK – When purchasing items through an online auction, Arkansans should be aware that criminals routinely steal money and do not provide the product. It is important to know how to safely and smartly bid on online auction websites to avoid this common fraud.

Scammers might post sales for vehicles, boats and other items that turn out to be fake or already sold. Other times the item being sold is legitimate, but the con artists will purchase the item and send a counterfeit check or money order for an amount greater than the item to the legitimate seller. The seller will then be told to deposit the payment, deduct the actual sale price and return the difference, leaving the seller on the hook for the entire amount of the check or money order. Other common internet auction scams include wire transfer scheme and second-chance scheme.

“Online auction sites can produce some of the best deals, but there is always risk doing business with an unknown seller especially one that turns out to be overseas,” said Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “Knowing what to do before placing a bid and the warning signs of fraud can save a lot of time and money in the long run.”

Keep these tips in mind before placing a bid:

•Contact the seller with any questions about payment options or questions about the item.
•Review the seller’s feedback on the internet auction site.
•Stay away or be very cautious when dealing with sellers or purchasers out of your own country.
•Understand the refund, return and warranty policies of the auction site you are utilizing.
•Determine the shipping method and charges before you buy.
•Stay away or be very cautious if the seller only accepts wire transfers.
•If the seller insists on an escrow service, ensure it is legitimate.
•You may want to insure your purchased item.
•Stay away from unsolicited offers.

For more information and tips to avoid scams and other consumer-related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@arkansasag.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.

 

 

09/20/2017

CONSUMER ALERT: Harvey and Irma Produce Flood-Damaged Vehicles


LITTLE ROCK – While Arkansas did not see the type of damage and flooding that our neighbors in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Texas have seen in recent weeks that does not mean products from those states will not end up here – especially vehicles.

Arkansans who are considering a new or used vehicle have been contacting the Attorney General’s office to find out how to spot a flood-damaged car or truck and what is required of the dealer or seller.

Consumers should review a vehicle’s title for any flood damage reports. Arkansas law requires dealerships to place a separate disclosure in the window of cars for sale that have previously been submerged, but consumers should be careful if purchasing a vehicle through a private sale. Although the private seller is required by Arkansas law to notify the buyer of any flood damage, a posted disclosure is not mandatory for this type of transaction.

“Many dealers follow Arkansas law and provide the proper documentation when selling water damaged vehicles,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “But it is common following severe weather in our state and in nearby states for unscrupulous sellers to try and take advantage of consumers by selling damaged vehicles without proper disclosure.”

Attorney General Rutledge released the following tips for consumers shopping around for a new or used vehicle:

•Ask the seller if the car has been damaged by hail or flood waters, and always check the car’s title history.

•Inspect the vehicle for water stains and mildew in the vents and behind the dashboard. Also look under the hood for signs of oxidation.

•Flood damaged cars may look fine because of cosmetic repairs, but they may have defective electrical systems, steering problems, faulty computers, faulty air bag systems and persistent mold problems.

•Have the car inspected by your own mechanic before you decide to buy.

•If the car has experienced significant damage and is considered a salvage vehicle, a buyer’s notification should be posted, and the price should be much lower than the price of a similar car with a clean title. Consider that you may have difficulty later selling a salvage vehicle and its value will be compromised.

For more information on purchasing a vehicle and other consumer-related issues, contact the Attorney General's office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@arkansasag.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.

 

 

08/30/2017

CONSUMER ALERT: Following Harvey, Giver Take Caution


LITTLE ROCK – Arkansans have seen the horrible photos and videos showing the devastation from Hurricane Harvey to our neighbors and friends in Houston and across south east Texas and want to help. But giver beware. Many times following natural disasters, the Attorney General’s office receives reports of unscrupulous “charities” targeting Arkansans knowing that we will offer help to those in need.

These con artists will tug at the heartstrings of giving people in hopes money will be turned over in support of whatever cause the criminals are using. The scammers provide as little information as possible about their “organization,” while still trying to convince potential donors about the legitimacy of the “charity” that will help those who have been impacted by Hurricane Harvey.

“Many of these fake organizations will pick a name and logo that is similar to an existing, legitimate organization that is helping those in need in Texas,” said Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “Arkansans must stay diligent, do their research on charities and know how their money will be used.”

Attorney General Rutledge released the following tips to help consumers give to only legitimate charities:

•If you receive a phone solicitation for donations, do not immediately get out your checkbook or credit card. High-pressure sales tactics are a red flag that you may be dealing with an unscrupulous charity.
•Do your research. Get the organization’s name, address, website and phone number, or give directly to a known nonprofit of your choice. Make sure the nonprofit organization is registered with the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office.
•Use GuideStar.org to compare nonprofit organizations and to get more information.
•Ask the organization how it will spend your donation.
•Watch out for similar but different organization names as some con artists will use names like those of existing, reputable nonprofits in order to trick consumers.
•Do not give out financial or personal information over the phone or through email to an unknown entity. This information could fall into the wrong hands, or the scammers could use it to steal your money or identity.
•Never send cash. Make check or credit card payments for increased security and tax purposes.
•If you wish to donate through a text message, verify the organization’s number before doing so.


Also be wary of charities that pop up quickly in response to Hurricane Harvey. Even if they are legitimate, they oftentimes do not have a system in place to get donations to those in need. Consider giving to an established organization which helps disaster victims in the area.

For more information and tips to avoid scams and other consumer-related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@arkansasag.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.

 

 

08/02/17

CONSUMER ALERT: Tips for Tenants

LITTLE ROCK – When deciding where to live, some Arkansans may turn to renting rather than purchasing a house or condominium. Some consumers prematurely sign a lease and find themselves stuck in a long and aggravating situation. But the Attorney General’s office is here to help you be an informed renter to avoid a lot of stress.

“Signing a lease can be overwhelming for first time renters, or even those who are familiar with the renting process,” said Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “Renters need to know if they are making a good deal, what questions to ask the landlord and what to look for in a home or apartment.”

Attorney General Rutledge released the following tips to those considering rental options:
Read the lease in full before signing and ask questions.
Ask about the utilities including electricity, natural gas, water and sewer. Who is the provider for each service? What is the average monthly cost? Does the landlord cover any of these costs? If the landlord keeps the utilities in its name, what assurance do you have that the landlord will pay the utility bills?
Consider asking the landlord or local law enforcement if there have been any noise complaints filed against the neighbors.
Consider contacting the local police department or campus police to ask about safety of the area.
Look at the condition of the carpet and paint to ensure its quality.
Take pictures of the property, especially carpet, paint, appliances and any other fixtures before moving in. This could protect you if a landlord claims you caused any damages.
Ask the landlord if he or she will be responsible for any and all repairs, including appliance/air conditioning/furnace repair and maintenance, and make sure those responsibilities are mentioned in the lease.
Learn about the lease cancellation policy and ask questions.
If you are a student, consider a nine-month lease for the school term instead of a full 12-month lease.
Clarify the details of the security deposit and the landlord’s policy for its return after the apartment or rental house is vacated.
It is also important to stay up-to-date with local Tenant and Landlord Laws. Fayetteville, Arkansas, joined other university towns across the country, including Salisbury, Maryland, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Ames, Iowa, in passing an ordinance requiring landlords to confirm, in writing, no more than three unrelated roommates are living together in a single-family home. This ordinance stemmed from homeowners near the University of Arkansas complaining about noise, trash and parking issues when more than three college students live together in a single-family home.

For more information and tips to avoid scams and other consumer-related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@arkansasag.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.
 

07/12/17

CONSUMER ALERT: Snapchat Scare

 
LITTLE ROCK – With Snapchat releasing new tracking features for their app, users need to be aware of new risks. Snapchat is a mobile messaging app that allows users to send and receive pictures that are displayed on screen for, at most, 10 seconds. The new update dubbed Snap Map now allows Snapchat “friends” to track others’ locations when the app is open.
 
Although the update was only introduced recently, GPS tracking apps are already concerning law enforcement due to potential safety problems. Officials worry that location-based services on apps make children and teens more vulnerable to predators. For Snapchat, when the Snap Map feature is enabled, any “friends” can track your location. Snapchat has implemented a Ghost Mode for users to hide from the map feature which can be turned on by pinching the screen when the camera is open in the app, tap the settings icon in the top right corner and swipe to enable the feature.
 
“Adults need to be aware that these location tracking apps could potentially put young people in danger,” said Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “Allowing followers to track your location at all times can be dangerous, especially if you do not personally know all of your ‘friends' on social media. Adults must be as concerned about a potential online stalker as they would be about an in-person stalker."
 
Attorney General Rutledge released the following tips to protect children from online predators:

• Talk to children about sexual victimization and the potential of online danger.
• Utilize parental controls and blocking software on mobile devices.
• Make sure children keep passwords, pictures and personal information to themselves.
• Remind children never to arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone they first met online.
• Teach children not to post anything online that they would not want others to see.
• Help them remember people they meet online are not always who they say they are.
• Tell them not to respond to messages that are inappropriate or make them feel uncomfortable.
• Encourage children to tell an adult if they ever encounter a problem online.
• Consider disabling all location-based services on mobile devices, which is typically accessible in the privacy settings.

With apps and technology always changing and updating, it is important for adults to keep up and know the programs on their child’s phone.
 
The Attorney General’s office is hosting an internet safety webcast on Wednesday, Aug. 2, as well as provides a technology tip card for consumers, information for parents to spot cyberbullying and a Parent’s Guide to Internet Safety. Community educators are also available to present an internet safety program to parents and educators, and regional cyber safety trainings are available this summer for educators across the state. The FBI also provides internet safety tips for parents to discuss with children.
 
For more information and tips to avoid scams and other consumer-related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@arkansasag.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.

 

 

6/14/17

CONSUMER ALERT: Online Predators Working Overtime During Summer Months

LITTLE ROCK – Online predators target children during the summer months when school is out and children spend more time on the internet.

Parents and adults can protect children while they are accessing online resources and having fun on social media.

"Online predators look to take advantage of a child’s innocence by intimidating them or trying to put them into inappropriate situations,” said Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “And that is why parents and adults must be vigilant in knowing what children are doing and who exactly they are talking to online to make sure they are safe.”

Attorney General Rutledge released the following tips for parents to implement this summer while their children are home on summer vacation:

The Attorney General’s office is hosting an internet safety webcast on August 2 and also provides a tip card for consumers, information for parents to spot cyberbullying and offers a Parent’s Guide to Internet Safety. Community educators are also available to present an internet safety program to parents and educators and regional cyber safety trainings are available this summer for educators across the state.

For more information and tips to avoid scams and other consumer-related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@arkansasag.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.
 

05/31/17

CONSUMER ALERT: Scammers Prey on Flood Victims as They Rebuild

LITTLE ROCK – Many families in Arkansas are still cleaning up from the historic floods that hit our state about a month ago. As flood waters recede, some of the damage is becoming more visible, and some are trying to use the floods to line their own pockets by selling water damaged items.

“Some retailers and sellers are transparent that items may have water damage, but others try to hide any damage from potential buyers,” said Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “Arkansans need to be cautious when purchasing electronics, furniture or equipment and look for potential damage themselves. Consumers should also understand that some flood damage may not be visible at first glance and mold or other problems could be inside the item.”

Attorney General Rutledge released the following tips for Arkansans to consider before making any large purchases of items that could have been involved in the recent flooding:
Consumers should always buy items from reputable sellers. In order to learn more about business reputations, consumers may check online reviews and consult with other known customers of such businesses.
Be careful if buying electronics or lawn equipment that is either advertised as flood-damaged or suspected of having been submerged in liquid. Such items may not only fail to function properly, but they may present a hazard to health and safety.
Ask questions and exercise due diligence. If the item is agricultural equipment or is subject to legal title requirements and can be searched, then do so.
Have a professional inspect or appraise the item for you. If it is a furniture item, be mindful that mold and other harmful substances may have come into contact with the item.
Ask the merchant about their return policy, and ask for a copy of the return policy. Confirm that you have the ability to return the item if needed.
Check with the Better Business Bureau and the Attorney General’s office to see if any related complaints have been filed against the business.

Consumers who believe they have been sold a flood-damaged item that was not advertised as such should file a complaint with the Attorney General’s office.

For more information and tips to avoid scams and other consumer-related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@arkansasag.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.
 

05/19/17

CONSUMER ALERT: Sweepstakes Scams Stealing Arkansans Cash

LITTLE ROCK – Scam artists are making unsolicited phone calls and sending unsolicited emails to convince Arkansans they have won a sweepstakes or lottery. But there is a catch – “winners” must first wire a processing fee or fill out a form to provide banking information to the con artist so the money can be deposited. This is a scam.

“Arkansans work hard for their money, and these criminals who do what they can to steal from us are appalling,” said Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “My office has had recent calls from Arkansans reporting they were told they had won $2 million – if only they would send $900. Consumers need to be cautious when receiving unsolicited phone calls or emails. Legitimate organizations will never require a processing fee or private banking information in exchange for a prize.”

Attorney General Rutledge released the following tips to help consumers spot one of these scams:
Consumers should not try to collect winnings from a sweepstakes they do not remember entering.
Never give out personal financial information.
Do not pay any money up front in an attempt to claim a prize.
Always remember, if it looks or seems too good to be true, it mostly likely is.
Scammers often use the name of legitimate businesses, like Publishers Clearinghouse, or a similar name to trick consumers into turning over their information.

No matter how the consumer is notified, there is a good chance the consumer will lose money instead of winning it. When money is wired to a foreign country, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to get it returned.

Consumers should ignore all unsolicited sweepstakes prices and immediately contact the Attorney General’s office to report the call or email.

For more information and tips to avoid scams and other consumer-related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@arkansasag.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.
 

 

CONSUMER ALERT: Pet Owners Beware of Ransom Scams

04/27/17

LITTLE ROCK – Scammers are hunting families with lost pets. Con artists scour social media sites looking for families who have recently posted that their beloved pet is missing. These scammers then contact the family and say they have the pet and will return it for a sum of money, but the scammer does not actually have the pet. Many families are so desperate for their four-legged family member to return home that they are willing to pay the ransom, no questions asked. The con artist runs away with the money, and the pet owner is left without their pet and less money.

“Many of us treat our pets like family members, so when one goes missing, our hearts break,” said Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “It is shameful that these criminals would take advantage of someone suffering through the loss of a pet.“

Attorney General Rutledge released the following tips to avoid falling victim to this scam:
Be cautious if your pet is lost and receive a call from someone claiming to have the animal and asking for money in return if a reward was not initially offered.
Ask questions about the pet that only someone who is with the animal would know before turning over any money.
Do not turn over any money without proof the person has your pet.
Always offer to meet the person in a public place and never give the person on the other end of the phone your address.
This scam has been reported in communities across Arkansas, with some families even reportedly turning over a few hundred dollars to the scammer.

With people and pets spending more time outside during the spring and summer months, pet scams tend to increase this time of year, including stealing pets from unattended backyards and vehicles. Scammers have been known to steal photos of pets and try to sell them online, and some con artists will post as animal rescue charities using names similar to reputable charities in an effort to steal your money. Thoroughly research perspective pet sellers and charities to make sure you are dealing with reputable organizations.

Contact local police if you believe you may be being extorted.

For more information and tips to avoid scams and other consumer-related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@arkansasag.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.
 

 

 

 Car Warranty Scams Aim to Steal Cash

LITTLE ROCK – Arkansans are reporting unscrupulous sales people who aim to scare them into purchasing unnecessary third-party car warranties to the Arkansas Attorney General’s office. The sales pitches are usually over the phone with scammers posing as a representative of a car dealer, manufacturer or insurer and telling consumers that their car warranty is about to expire. The scammers hope to obtain personal or financial information about the consumer can be convincing.

“Scammers use high pressure tactics to trick consumers into turning over private information in hopes of remaining under the safety net of a car warranty,” said Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “My office has recently seen an uptick of consumers receiving these robocalls. It can be difficult to discern if these types of calls are scams, but best practice is to never give personal information over the phone, especially if the phone call is unsolicited.”

Attorney General Rutledge released the following tips to help consumers spot this type of scam and avoid falling victim:
•Never give out personal or banking information in response to a phone, email or mail inquiry. Contact the entity requesting the information directly through a different method to verify that it is a reputable company with which you have an existing relationship.
•Wiring money is like giving cash away. If you wire money, there is no protection for you if you later learn that the recipient is not who they claimed to be.
•Investigate offers before paying any money.
•Review bank statements and credit card statements regularly. Monitor financial account statements for any unusual activity and promptly report any unauthorized charges to the account provider.

If the scammers’ sales pitch has you concerned that you may require an extended warranty, first check your manufacturer’s warranty to verify the coverage you already have and if you choose to purchase an extended warranty, review the exclusions before purchasing. Many extended warranties are very expensive and the coverage will be much more limited than the coverage included in the manufacturer’s warranty. Research different companies to determine if the product is needed and right for you.

Consumers can file complaints about suspected scam calls with the Federal Communications Commission and the Attorney General’s office.

For more information and tips to avoid scams and other consumer-related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@arkansasag.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.

 

 

 

Sunshine Week Sheds Light on FOIA

LITTLE ROCK – An open and transparent government is imperative for both the press and the public to hold government officials accountable for their actions. The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) was enacted by the General Assembly in 1967 and is considered one of the strongest and most comprehensive open-records and open-meetings laws in the United States.
National Sunshine Week, March 12-18, brings sunshine laws and the FOIA to the forefront to educate citizens about their rights when it comes to government accountability.

“Arkansas’s FOIA holds government officials accountable at all levels, including state and local leaders,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “The Attorney General’s office is committed to educating all Arkansans about their rights to an open and public government through the FOIA.”
Attorney General Rutledge released the following tips regarding Arkansas’s FOIA:
The law gives Arkansans broad access to public records and public meetings, with limited exceptions.

When a governing body meets to conduct the people’s business, the meeting is a public meeting and is subject to the open-meetings provisions of the FOIA.

A public record is defined as any writing, sound recording, video or electronic or computer-based information that reflects the performance or lack of performance of official functions.

All records maintained by public employees within the scope of their employment are presumed to be public records, though several exemptions may shield a record (or certain information in a record) from disclosure.

Government entities generally have up to three working days to provide a record requested under FOIA.

Custodians of records may only charge for the “actual costs” of reproducing public records, plus mailing expenses.

Notice of public meetings must be provided to anyone who has asked to be notified, and two-hour notice of special or emergency meetings must be provided to members of the news media who have requested notice of such meetings.

Governing bodies may only enter into closed meetings, also known as “executive sessions,” for the purpose of considering employment, appointment, promotion, demotion, disciplining or resignation of an individual officer or employee. But following the executive session, the governing body must reconvene in public and formally vote on the matter discussed in the executive session.

The Attorney General’s office partners with the Arkansas Press Association and other organizations to produce and distribute the “Arkansas Freedom of Information Handbook.” The Handbook’s 17th edition was published in December 2015. Free copies of the handbook are available by completing the short online form, or contacting the Attorney General’s office at community@arkansasag.gov or 501-682-2007.
The Attorney General’s office recently presented an online webcast about the Arkansas FOIA.

For more information and tips to avoid scams and other consumer-related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@arkansasag.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.
 

 

VETERAN ALERT: Lost Military Records Can Be Replaced

LITTLE ROCK – Military medical or personnel records can get lost or misplaced, which can be frustrating if a service member has passed away and the family would like the deceased person’s records for posterity.

These records may be obtained from the National Personnel Records Center by the next of kin, normally at no cost. Next of kin is considered the surviving spouse who has not remarried, father, mother, son, daughter, sister or brother. Proof of death of the veteran must be provided.

“There are a number of reasons that a veteran or family member may want military separation documents, service personnel records or medical records,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “These records are used for applying for veteran benefits, retirement preparation, funeral or even researching family military history.”

To release records, the National Archives requires the following information about the veteran:

• Complete name used while in service
• Service number
• Social Security number
• Branch of service
• Dates of service
• Date and place of birth

All requests must be signed and dated by the veteran or next of kin. If the veteran is deceased, proof of death, such as a copy of the death certificate, a letter from the funeral home or a published obituary when requesting documents.

Service information can be requested from eVetRecs online or by filling out an SF180 form and following the instructions to mail or fax the form. Urgent records requests can be made by adding the nature of the urgency and deadline in the comments section of eVetRecs or in the purpose section of the SF180 form.

The government provides basic military personnel and medical records information at no charge if the veteran was discharged after 1955. If the discharge occurred prior to 1955, the records have been archived and could be subject to a fee. If the request involves a service fee, the requester will be notified as soon as possible.

Arkansas military service members, veterans and families can file consumer complaints with the Attorney General’s office on ArkansasAG.gov or by calling (800) 482-8982.

For more information and tips to avoid scams and other consumer related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@arkansasag.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.

 

CONSUMER ALERT: Refund Anticipation Loans and Checks Can Cost Consumers
 

LITTLE ROCK – Some car salesman use high pressure tactics to slither their way into a consumer’s wallet. Car dealerships and other large-item retailers are trying to encourage Arkansans to let their salesmen do the consumer’s taxes. The salesmen can “predict” the tax refund amount and encourage the consumer to enter into a loan with the business to purchase a large ticket item. This is also called a Refund Anticipation Loan and may end up costing the consumer more than filing his or her own return.
“Refund Anticipation Loans can be risky and costly for consumers,” said Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “The actual refund may only cover a portion of the loan, leaving the consumer on the hook for the rest of the money and often at an inflated interest rate.”

Attorney General Rutledge released the following considerations before agreeing to have taxes prepared as part of a Refund Anticipation Loan:

• Free or low-cost options such as the online Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Free File program or the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance may be options.

• Electronically filed returns can be deposited in bank accounts in as few as eight days.

• The IRS can also provide refunds by check or prepaid debit card.

• Always get a written list of fees before entering into any agreement or requesting tax preparation assistance.

Refund Anticipation Checks are similar to Refund Anticipation Loans and can be attractive to some consumers because businesses often waive tax preparation fees, but many Arkansans can obtain free tax preparation services. The IRS provides a Free File program online that is a federal tax preparation and electronic filing program for approximately 70 percent of taxpayers who earn less than $64,000. Eligible consumers can go to IRS.gov and choose from multiple private companies that will file federal returns at no charge.

Some Arkansans may also be eligible to receive free help through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. Meanwhile, seniors can contact AARP to learn more about the tax preparation services they provide.

For more information and tips to avoid scams and other consumer related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@arkansasag.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.
 

CONSUMER ALERT: “Can you hear me?” Scam


LITTLE ROCK – Arkansans are being victimized by con artists who use audio editing equipment to create false authorization recordings to make unauthorized purchases on credit cards or add-ons to utility bills. The Arkansas Attorney General’s office has received a number of reports of the scam in which callers are asking “Can you hear me?” in order to elicit a “yes” response from the consumer which the scammer will then use for illegal or fraudulent purposes.

“This robocall scam can be dangerous if Arkansans don’t protect themselves,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “It is best to just hang up on the caller if you are suspicious.”

Attorney General Rutledge released to following tips to avoid this scam:

•Use caller ID and let unknown numbers go to voicemail.

•Avoid talking to unknown callers and hang up if you are suspicious.

•Monitor bank and credit card statements, along with utility bills for any charges you did not make.

In this scam, the caller has reportedly asked questions such as “Can you hear me?” “Are you the lady of the house?” “Are you the homeowner?” “Is this <insert phone number>?” or “Do you pay the household telephone bills?” all hoping for the same result -- a “yes” answer that can be recorded for further use.

In addition to recording your voice to make a false authorization that can be played back to approve additional charges, by talking to unknown callers, scammers will know that the number is active and are more likely to sell the number and lead to more unwanted calls from disreputable solicitors.

Report this scam to the Attorney General’s office and also contact the Federal Trade Commission if an unauthorized credit card transaction has been processed or the Federal Communications Commission if an additional charge is added to a phone bill.

For more information and tips to avoid scams and other consumer-related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@arkansasag.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.
 

 

CONSUMER ALERT: Million Dollar Giveaway? It May Be a Scam.

LITTLE ROCK – Scammers are using the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s (AGFC) name to steal money from people across The Natural State. The Arkansas Attorney General’s office recently received complaints of Arkansans getting phone calls, often with a Jamaican area code, from someone claiming to be from the AGFC. The person receiving the call is told they are the winner of a $2.5 million giveaway. The only thing they need to do to claim their winnings is wire an $850 “processing fee.” This is a scam.

“Scammers know that pretending to be from a respected agency makes them more believable,” said Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “Arkansans must stay diligent and never wire money to someone they do not know. If you have to send money to get money, it is a scam.”

Attorney General Rutledge offered the following tips for anyone who receives this call or one similar.
•A consumer should never have to pay something to receive a “free” prize. Be wary of anyone requiring payment in advance to obtain winnings.

•Be cautious if someone asks that a fee be paid through a pre-paid credit card or by wiring money. If payments are made, the money may never be seen again. Legitimate organizations will accept standard and traceable forms of payments.

•People who accept these offers become targets of other scammers when their information is shared or sold to others.

•Never provide any financial account information to an unknown person or entity.

•If the call is from a government agency, consider hanging up and calling the agency back on a phone number found on their website.

Although the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission does offer small prizes, such as free hunting or fishing licenses or fishing poles, they do not offer cash prizes. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission encourages Arkansans who receive this call to file a complaint with the Attorney General’s office, and if there are any questions, AGFC can be contacted at 501-223-6300.

For more information and tips to avoid scams and other consumer related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at 800-482-8982 or consumer@arkansasag.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.

 

 

CONSUMER ALERT: Fake Tax Bills Tricking Consumers

LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Attorney General warns that con artists are sending fake tax bills claiming to be from the IRS demanding immediate payment from Arkansans and threatening arrest if money is not sent. Consumers are being sent a fraudulent version of a CP2000 form for tax year 2015 as an email with an attachment or by standard mail requesting personal financial information and asking for payment via gift card, prepaid debit card or wire transfer.

 
“This new play on an old scam is another shameful attempt by criminals to steal Arkansans' personal information and hard-earned money,” said Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “If Arkansans receive one of these letters they suspect may be a scam, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. And as a reminder, the IRS will never make unsolicited calls to or requests through email or social media from taxpayers for personal information.”

The following tips can be used to spot a fake tax bill:

        • The CP2000 notices appear to be issued from an Austin, Texas, address

        • The letter or email says the issue is related to the Affordable Care Act and requests information regarding 2014 coverage

        • The payment voucher lists the letter number as 105C

        • The sender requests that checks be made out to I.R.S. and sent to the “Austin Processing Center” at a post office box.

According to the IRS, the form CP2000 does exist, but it is used when income reported from a third-party source does not match the income reported on the tax return. The fake form provides little, if any, instruction to taxpayers about appealing additional money owed, but the real form provides extensive information. And some versions of the scam include a “payment” link within the email, which could be set up to steal personal information, take money or infect the computer with malware. The real notice also requests checks be made out to “United States Treasury.”

Consumers who receive this scam via email should forward it to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

For more information and tips to avoid scams and other consumer related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@arkansasag.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.
 

 

CONSUMER ALERT: Gift Cards – What You Should Know

LITTLE ROCK – It is exciting to purchase that new toy a child in your life wants or give that perfect gift a relative needs, but sometimes it can be difficult to settle on the right gift. Many Arkansans turn to gift cards as the perfect item for the Christmas season, and it is important to know that gift card recipients have certain protections that have been put in place by both the federal government and the State of Arkansas.

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge issued today’s consumer alert to ensure gift card recipients know the protections that are currently in place to guard them from being taken advantage of and to ensure they are able to use the gift card for its intended purpose.

“Gift cards are popular because they allow recipients to get exactly what they want from a retailer or restaurant,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “It is important for all Arkansans to know and understand the protections they are granted when they receive a gift card this holiday season.”

Attorney General Rutledge released the following list of State and federal protections under State law and federal rules.

·         A gift card cannot expire for at least five years from the date the card was purchased or from the last date any additional money was loaded onto the card. If the expiration dates listed on the card is earlier than these dates, the money can be transferred to a replacement card at no cost.

·         Inactivity fees can be charged only when a card has not been used for at least one year.

·         The expiration date must be clearly disclosed on the card.

·         Fees must be clearly disclosed on the card or its packaging.

The Arkansas Fair Gift Card Act applies not only to gift cards but also gift certificates and prepaid cards but does not apply to loyalty reward program gift cards. The federal rules only apply to the plastic swipe cards, which usually contain a magnetic strip and look similar to a credit or debit card.

If there is a problem with a gift card, contact the company that issued the card. If the problem cannot be resolved at that level, file a complaint with the Attorney General’s office or the Federal Trade Commission.

For more information about consumer-related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@ArkansasAG.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.

 

ENERGY ALERT: Falling Temperatures. Climbing Heating Costs.

LITTLE ROCK – Air conditioners across Arkansas are finally getting a break with temperatures now dipping into the 30s overnight, but the lower the temperature falls, the more work our furnaces and heating units do, which can lead to increased energy costs.

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge issued today’s consumer alert to help Arkansans save some money while heating their home this winter.
“High heating costs can have a big impact on family budgets,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “But there are a few steps to take that can help keep your home warm while saving money.”

Attorney General Rutledge released the following tips to keep energy costs lower throughout the colder months.

    • Keep curtains open during the day for natural heat, and close them at night to retain the heat.
    • Use a programmable thermostat to automatically lower the temperature when no one is home.
    • Seal cracks or holes around the home by weather-stripping doors and windows and adding insulation to walls, the attic and crawlspace          to prevent it from losing heat.
    • Set ceiling fans to spin clockwise to recirculate rising hot air.
    • Make sure baseboard heaters, air vents and radiators are not obstructed.
    • Service the heating system at least once a year to ensure it is operating properly.
    • Consider wrapping the water heater in a water heater jacket or blanket and turning down the temperature to the warm setting to save money.
    • Close the vents and doors to rooms that are not being used.
    • Keep air filters clean and replace regularly.

Use caution while using space heaters. Keep them away from flammable materials and consider the impact it could have on the energy bill. The Department of Energy reports that space heaters account for about 45 percent of energy bills in average U.S. homes.

Also, be cautious of products claiming to drastically lower heating costs and avoid unsolicited high-pressure sales calls for visits from contractors offering furnaces, windows, roofing and other home-improvement projects. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.
Arkansans having trouble paying heating or electricity bills this winter should contact their region’s Arkansas Community Action Agency to learn more about the Weatherization Assistance Program.

For more information about consumer-related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@ArkansasAG.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge
 

 

September 13, 2016

Please add the following to your community calendar from the Attorney General’s office for Tuesday, September 20.

Attorney General Mobile Office: The mobile offices assist constituents with consumer-related issues in filing consumer complaints and providing information about scams, identity theft, fraud and other protections.
10:30 a.m. to noon
Sevier County Senior Citizens Center – De Queen

Prescription Drug Take Back: Authorities will be collecting prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, pet medicines, medicated ointments and lotions, inhalers, liquid medicines in glass or leak-proof containers and medicine samples.
10:30 a.m. to noon
Sevier County Senior Citizens Center – De Queen
Prescription drug take back partner: Sheriff Benny Simmons

Digital You is a comprehensive, interactive educational program created by AT&T and Common Sense Media to offer tools, tips, apps, guidance and community education events for people of all ages and levels of online experience to learn more about how to have a safe and secure online experience.
Digital You Senior Presentation: Seniors and older adults who are digital newcomers will be given tips and tricks to learn how to use mobile devices, navigate the Internet, recognize scams, keep private information secure, back up data and more so that they can be empowered online.
10 to 10:30 a.m. Sevier County Senior Citizens Center – De Queen
 

August 17, 2016

CONSUMER ALERT: Air Bag Recalls Expanding

LITTLE ROCK – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) continues to issue recalls for Takata air bags. The air bags used by many popular manufacturers, including Acura, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Jeep, Infiniti, Lexus, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen and more, were reportedly made with a propellant that can degrade over time causing the air bag to rupture and propel shards of metal into the vehicle. According to the NHTSA, the air bags have attributed to at least 10 deaths and more than 100 injuries in the United States.

The NHTSA is urging consumers to not drive certain 2001-2003 Honda vehicles and to immediately call the dealer to schedule a free repair. It is believed that the inflators in these vehicles are at a higher risk of rupturing during air bag deployment.

The recall was expanded earlier this summer to as many as 68 million inflators. The expansion includes all driver and passenger frontal Takata air bags that have ammonium nitrate-based propellant air bag inflators without a chemical drying agent. The age of the inflator, along with prolonged exposure to a hot and humid climate pose a much greater risk of rupturing. According to the NHTSA, nearly 9.4 million air bags have been repaired so far.

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge issued today’s consumer alert to encourage Arkansans to educate themselves about this recall and to take immediate action to avoid injury or even death.

“Arkansans should take all recalls seriously, especially the Takata air bag recall,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “This is one of the most serious and largest recalls in American history. Manufacturers are sending recall notices and replacing air bags free of charge to the vehicle owners as replacements are available. These notices should be considered urgent warnings and plans should be made to have the air bags replaced quickly.”

Attorney General Rutledge released the following tips to help Arkansans research recalls and determine if the air bag in their vehicle is on the recall list.
•Visit SaferCar.gov to get the latest information on the Takata recall.
•Search the NHTSA’s database or contact the vehicle manufacturer or car dealer for recalls by the Vehicle Identification Number, which is visible from the outside of the vehicle through the driver’s side windshield.
•Sign up at SaferCar.gov to receive email notifications from the NHTSA to learn when manufacturers file new recalls.
The NHTSA has classified states into three zones in order to prioritize the air bag replacements. Arkansas is included in zone B, and the NHTSA anticipates issuing recalls in phases through December 2019. Earlier this summer, the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration reported 22,620 vehicles that are registered in Arkansas are impacted by this recall.

For more information on auto recalls, vehicle warranties and other consumer-related issues or to file a consumer complaint, contact the Attorney General's office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@arkansasag.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.
 

 

08/10/2016

CONSUMER ALERT: Military Families Make Your Vote Count

LITTLE ROCK – Active duty military service members and their families are ensured voting eligibility in their state of legal residence under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. This means that any active duty Arkansan stationed outside the State is still eligible to vote in the upcoming general election, including all State and local races.

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge issued today’s consumer alert to ensure military families are aware of the deadlines and the necessary steps to make their vote count on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

“Just like all Americans, active duty military members should ensure they are registered to vote,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “But families who are stationed in another state or overseas need to plan ahead to ensure they are registered in plenty of time, request the appropriate absentee ballot and have it turned in to be processed in a timely manner.”

Attorney General Rutledge released the following dates to help Arkansans stay on track to make sure their vote counts in November:
•Friday, Sept. 23 – The federal government requires states to provide voters requesting an absentee ballot prior to this date with an absentee ballot. States can issue absentee ballots after this date, and active duty Arkansans can request an online ballot up to Election Day.
•Monday, Oct. 10 – Deadline to register to vote in the general election.
•Tuesday, Nov. 8 –Absentee ballots for active duty military members and their families must be postmarked by Election Day.
•Friday, Nov. 18 – Deadline for county clerks to receive an absentee ballot from active duty military members and their families.
According to the Arkansas Secretary of State’s Elections Division, absentee ballots can be delivered through either the U.S. Postal Service or Ballot Safe, a secure online website. If the military service member decides to download the ballot instead of receiving a hard copy, the ballot will need to be printed, filled out and mailed to the county clerk, postmarked by Election Day, Nov. 8.

Military and family members are eligible to vote in their state of legal residence. This could be an original address, or the families can change their legal residence at each permanent duty station change. The American Bar Association encourages military families to keep voter registration, vehicle registration and State of legal residence the same for tax purposes.

Arkansas military service members, veterans and families should file consumer complaints with the Attorney General’s office on ArkansasAG.gov or by calling (800) 482-8982.

For more information and tips to avoid scams and other consumer related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@arkansasag.govor visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.

02/11/16

Rutledge Reaches Settlement with MoneyGram
Company failed to maintain effective anti-fraud measures

LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge today has reached a settlement with Dallas-based MoneyGram Payment Systems Inc. resolving a multistate investigation that tied MoneyGram to fraudulent activities based on complaints from consumers who used the company’s wire transfer service to send money to third parties involved in schemes to defraud consumers.

“Arkansans have heard it time and again, over the phone, in letters or in emails: ‘wire this amount of money and you will win big,’” said Attorney General Rutledge. “But these claims always turn out to be a scam, and if a consumer does wire money, it is almost impossible to get it back. MoneyGram failed to maintain effective anti-fraud measurers to prevent consumers from suffering financial losses as a result of these fraud induced transfers. Fortunately, thanks to this settlement, restitution payments will be made available to a number of Arkansans, and MoneyGram has agreed to improve its anti-fraud program, provide more warnings to consumers and improve agent training.”

Under the terms of the settlement, MoneyGram has agreed to maintain and continue to improve a comprehensive and robust anti-fraud program designed to help detect and prevent consumers from suffering financial losses as a result of these types of fraud induced wire transfers.

The program must be documented in writing and at a minimum must include the following elements:
Mandatory and documented compliance training for agents and guidelines regarding when an agent’s conduct warrants suspension or termination.
Suspension or termination of agents who fail to take commercially reasonable steps to reduce fraud induced money transfers.
A hotline system – telephonic and electronic – where employees and agents can report noncompliance with anti-fraud measures.
Sound mechanisms to evaluate actual fraud rates and consumer losses from fraud-induced money transfers in order to utilize that information to improve compliance.
Continued enhancement of technology solutions, including its Anti-Fraud Alert System

Additionally, MoneyGram has agreed to pay a total of $13 million to states to fund a nationwide consumer restitution program and for the states’ costs and fees. The settlement provides for an independent third-party settlement administrator who will review MoneyGram records and send notices regarding restitution to all consumers who are eligible to receive it under the settlement. Generally, consumers who are eligible for restitution previously filed complaints with MoneyGram between July 1, 2008 and August 31, 2009, regarding fraud-induced transfers sent from the U.S. to foreign countries other than Canada.

More information about this settlement is available at the Settlement Administrator’s website, MoneyGramSettlement.com.

Rutledge reminds Arkansans who receive solicitations from strangers promising big winnings to toss those letters in the trash, delete the email or hang up the phone and those who are contacted about a grandchild, friend or family member in distress should reach out separately to the friend or family member to independently verify that the relative is actually in need of the assistance.

In addition to Arkansas, the following participated in the settlement: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia.

 

2/10/16

 

Rutledge to Offer Trainings to Combat Dating Violence
Helping mark Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month

LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge is continuing her push to raise awareness of domestic violence, sexual assault and dating violence by teaming up with Break the Cycle, a leading national nonprofit organization providing comprehensive dating abuse programs, to offer workshops across Arkansas on healthy relationships and dating abuse. The three-hour trainings will delve into the youth experience of dating abuse, including the health and academic impacts and how it differs from adult experiences.

“If we can teach teenagers how to handle dating violence and to create healthy relationships, it will help curb the constant cycle of teen dating violence leading to domestic violence,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “I am proud to partner with Break the Cycle, the Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault and the Arkansas Department of Education to bring these important workshops here so that educators will be able to better communicate how to have healthy relationships. I encourage Arkansas teachers to take advantage of these trainings so that we can finally begin to break the cycle of abuse.”

Through Act 952, passed by the General Assembly in 2015, Arkansas students in grades 7 through 12 must receive instruction on dating violence awareness as a component of health courses. This training will give teachers the resources they need to comply with the act, and the Attorney General’s office is committed to supplying schools with dating violence awareness materials.

Participants will learn foundational knowledge about dating abuse, methods for intervention and instruction on how to implement a Healthy Relationships 101 session with their students or youth group. Using pop culture and media clips that are familiar to teens, the workshops will include discussions to help teens recognize abuse and become critical thinkers on how these images can affect teens’ views on healthy relationships.

Registration information can be found at ArkansasAG.gov.

Workshop attendees will hear from Jasmine Uribe and Sarah Colomé.

Uribe is a leader in the dating abuse prevention movement and serves as leadership and engagement manager for Break the Cycle, which includes overseeing Loveisrespect with the National Youth Advisory Board.

Colomé manages and implements all major projects and initiatives within Break the Cycle's Training and Technical Assistance Program, as well as provides technical assistance to grant recipients for the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women.

Full workshop schedule details:

Feb. 22
Southwest Educational Service Cooperative
2502 South Main
Hope, AR 71801

Feb. 23
Little Rock School District Instructional Resource Center
3001 South Pulaski St.
Little Rock, AR 72206

March 29
Northwest Educational Service Cooperative
4 Double Springs Road
Farmington, AR 72730

March 30
Southeast Arkansas Educational Service Cooperative
1022 Scogin Drive
Monticello, AR 71655

March 31
Crowley’s Ridge Educational Service Cooperative
1606 Pine Grove Lane
Harrisburg, AR 72432

For more information, please contact the Attorney General’s office at (501) 682-2007.

 

02/05/16

Rutledge Welcomes Spring Law Clerks to the Attorney General’s Office
Says they are ‘gaining valuable experience’

LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge welcomed a new class of law clerks to the Attorney General’s office. These law students work in various departments assisting with legal research and drafting memos and legal documents.

“This group of future attorneys is gaining valuable experience from some of Arkansas’s top lawyers,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “They are getting exposure to the public service sector, and are a valuable asset to the Attorney General’s office.”

Anna Baker, a third year student at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) William H. Bowen School of Law, is clerking in the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. She graduated from the University of California at Berkeley in 2001, with a degree in German, and in 2008 she graduated from the University of Virginia with a doctorate in German literature. Baker is from Los Altos, California, and graduated high school from Gunn High School in 1997.

Amelia Fuller, a second year student at the UALR Bowen School of Law, is clerking in the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. She graduated from Arkansas State University, with a degree in English. Fuller is from Hot Springs and graduated from Lake Hamilton High School in 2010.

Tramisha Harris, a second year student at the UALR Bowen School of Law, is clerking in the Public Protection Department. She graduated from Louisiana State University Shreveport in 2010, with a degree in political science, and in 2012 she graduated from Louisiana State University at Monroe with a master’s degree in communications. Harris is from Bossier City, Louisiana, and graduated from Airline High School in 2006.

Austin Harrison, a third year student at the UALR Bowen School of Law, is clerking in the Public Protection Department. He is also a graduate student at the Clinton School of Public Service and graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2013, with a degree in public policy leadership. Harrison is from Louisville, Mississippi, and graduated from Winston Academy in 2009.

Kolton Jones, a third year student at the UALR Bowen School of Law, is clerking in the Civil Department. He graduated from Henderson State University in 2012, with a degree in business administration. Jones is from Sulphur Springs, Texas, and graduated from Sulphur Springs High School in 2009.

Stephanie Mantell, a second year student at the UALR Bowen School of Law, is clerking in the Criminal Department. She graduated from UALR in 2013, with double majors in history and English. Mantell is from Waterloo, New York, went to Minutemen Regional Vocational High School, in Lexington, Massachusetts, and received her GED in 2004.

Garrett Morgan, a second year student at the UALR Bowen School of Law, is clerking in the Criminal Department. He graduated from UALR in 2014, with double majors in criminal justice and philosophy. Morgan is from El Dorado and graduated from Parkers Chapel High School in 2005.

Reece Owens, a second year student at the UALR Bowen School of Law, is clerking in the Public Protection Department. He graduated from the University of Central Arkansas in 2011, with a degree in economics. Owens is from Cabot and graduated from Cabot High School in 2006.

Jeremy Wann, a second year student at the UALR Bowen School of Law, is clerking in the Civil Department. He graduated from Webster University in 2014 with a Master of Business Administration and from the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith in 2009 with a degree in marketing. Wann is from Fort Smith and graduated from Roland High School in Roland, Oklahoma, in 2005.
 

 

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge | 323 Center Street, Suite 200 | Little Rock, AR 72201 | 501-682-2007
www.arkansasag.gov | oag@arkansasag.gov