News from March 2015
Florida AG reaches settlement with metal building companies
Businesses allegedly violated several laws, including using high-pressure sales and misrepresentation.
Maine AG settles case with plumbing company
Bath Fitter will pay up to $750,000 in fines for allegedly violating state laws.
Mass. financial and legal services company ordered to pay $1.9 million
Firm allegedly defrauded customers and practiced law illegally.
Mass. AG calls for prepaid card protection, no insurance increase
Maura Healey pushing to protect residents from financial harm.
Babies R Us sued over Endless Earnings program
A popular baby supplies store was sued on March 16 over allegations its rewards program was misleading and misrepresented what consumers actually receive when purchasing something from its stores.
Dietary supplement maker sued for alleged protein spiking
The maker of a dietary supplement was sued on March 19 for allegedly spiking its products to artificially inflate the level of protein.
Premera Blue Cross sued over data breach
A health care insurance company is the subject of a class-action lawsuit filed on March 19 over an alleged security breach that released members' private information.
Illinois Attorney General's Office takes in $1.3 billion in 2014
The Illinois Attorney General's Office took in a record $1.3 billion in 2014 for the state, Attorney General Lisa Madigan said on Wednesday. The funds were generated through a combination of collection efforts and litigation, and Madigan said that about $43 was brought in for every dollar appropriated to the office in 2014.
Lawsuit: Texas A&M foundation donors' benefits reduced
A Texas A&M University foundation is being sued over allegations it gradually reduced benefits promised to individuals who made endowments to the foundation. Sammy York, Henry Holubec Jr. and Gregory Hayes filed the suit on March 11 against the Texas A&M University 12th Man Foundation, alleging the foundation gradually reduced the benefits originally promised to them for their lifetime.
Colorado AG files brief to support states' rights in environmental cases
Colorado Attorney General Cynthia Coffman said on Tuesday that she filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court supporting state agencies' authority to settle environmental liability cases under the federal law known as the “Superfund.”
State Senate panel advances bill to strengthen data-breach law
Illinois Senate Judiciary Committee members advanced a bill on Tuesday that would strengthen the state's data-breach notification law, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan said. Senate Bill 1833 is sponsored by state Sen. Dan Biss (D-Dist 9) and was advanced by the committee unanimously.
Couple sue two bedding firms after Sleep Comfort Bed malfunctions
The maker of a popular mattress brand is being sued over allegations it sold a defective bed and failed to make the necessary repairs to the mattress. David and Katina Spade filed the lawsuit on March 11 against Select Comfort Corp. and Leggett & Platt (L&P), alleging the companies failed to uphold the warranty and fix a bed they purchased in May 2014.
Lyft sued over financial promotions for new drivers, referrals
A popular ride service is being sued over allegations that it didn't fulfill its obligations when offering financial promotions for its drivers and would-be drivers. Casey Loewen and Jonathan Wright filed the lawsuit on March 11 against Lyft, Inc., alleging the business offered two different promotions of $1,000 each, but didn't complete background checks of potential drivers fast enough to award the money.
Bank of New York Mellon to pay $714 million in fraud settlement
The Bank of New York Mellon will pay approximately $714 million to settle cases brought against it by the New York State Office of the Attorney General and the U.S. Attorney's Office, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Preet Bharara said last week.
Arkansas AG to testify in D.C. on proposed EPA water-rule change
Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge will testify today before the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry during a hearing on a proposed rule change by the Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA wants to amend the definition of “waters in the United States” under the federal Clean Water Act.
Massachusetts AG slams U.S. House's data-breach bill
A bill before Congress would weaken protections for Massachusetts consumers when it comes to data-breach notifications, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey said last week. Assistant Attorney General Sara Cable testified before the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade recently against the Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2015.
Florida sues S.C.-based dating service, alleges fraud
The State of Florida filed a lawsuit last week against a South Carolina dating service, alleging it made several false claims, the Florida Office of the Attorney General said. Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi's Division of Consumer Protection filed the suit against Singles Plus, which has offices in Florida, alleging the business conducted deceptive and unfair trade practices.
Las Vegas hotel sued for alleged dip pricing
A Las Vegas resort hotel was sued on March 11 over allegations it misrepresented the total cost of a nightly stay for its online reservations.
DOJ sues California bank in alleged fraud case
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a lawsuit against a small California bank on March 10 for allegedly failing to report suspicious activity by one of its account holders to the federal government.
Lawsuit alleges eHealth misled shareholders on company's finances
An Internet-based health insurance agency is being sued for making allegedly misleading statements about the company's revenue, giving shareholders a false picture of the company's financial health. The Laborers' Local No. 231 Pension Fund filed the lawsuit on March 10 against eHealth Inc.