SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson today filed a consumer protection lawsuit against two businesses and their owner for sending hundreds of thousands of deceptive texts and emails to Washington businesses and nonprofits. These deceptive text messages cost Washington businesses at least $163,000. The lawsuit is part of Ferguson’s Small Business Protection Initiative.
The large-scale, lucrative text and email scheme targeted Washington small businesses and nonprofits.
Ferguson’s lawsuit, filed in King County Superior Court, asserts the Wyoming companies and their owner, Cameron Groom, sent deceptive solicitations that were designed to appear as though they were sent by the Secretary of State.
Tens of thousands of text message solicitations demanded $200 to file annual reports with the Secretary of State. The texts did not disclose that businesses can file required annual reports directly with the Secretary of State’s Office for $60. For nonprofits, the cost is between $20 and $60, depending on the nonprofit’s annual gross revenue.
Other text solicitations demanded between $150 and $175 to file annual meeting minutes. Washington state does not require either to file annual meeting minutes.
Ferguson also filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to bar the companies from sending their deceptive solicitations to Washington businesses while his case continues.
In just over a year, EFile Business Inc. and Online Filing LLC sent more than 147,000 deceptive text messages to Washington businesses and nonprofits. More than 800 Washington companies paid EFile and Online Filing to submit annual reports at more than three times what it would have cost them to file the reports themselves. Ferguson expects to uncover even more businesses that were deceived by EFile and Online Filing through the litigation.
“As the people’s law firm, we will continue serving as a watchdog on behalf of small businesses,” Ferguson said. “My consumer protection division’s Small Business Protection Initiative has already won tens of millions of dollars for Washington businesses that were deceived by similar tactics.”
The Attorney General’s Office received 19 complaints about the businesses, and the Secretary of State received complaints, as well. The complaints prompted an Attorney General’s Office investigation beginning in May 2022. The Secretary of State also posted a notice warning about the deceptive solicitations.
Ferguson is seeking restitution for impacted businesses, plus interest, and civil penalties from the companies for their deceptive conduct.
Defendants sent deceptive, unsolicited texts and emails
Beginning in January 2022, the companies sent unsolicited deceptive spam text messages and emails to Washington businesses and nonprofits after obtaining their information through publicly available sources.
In a complaint to the Attorney General’s Office, a Bellevue business owner wrote: “I thought this was a text from the state government as a reminder for me to file my annual report. So I clicked the link and paid them $200 dollars to file my annual report. (We moved here last year, so I had no idea annual filing is only $60.) I received the text on Monday June 6th, I filed on their website the same night. On June 8th Wednesday, I received email from sos.wa.gov saying I have successfully filed my annual report. A person named Cameron Groom used their American Express card and paid for the $60 filing fee. This is when I realized I was scammed.”
A Snohomish business owner said in his complaint: “It looked very official and I bought their service. Within a few minutes, I had a bad feeling that I had just been defrauded and went back to cancel my order. There was no one to contact and no response to a complaint I filed through their website. … I feel suckered and can’t believe I fell for this scam.”
Ferguson’s lawsuit asserts that the scheme is an unfair or deceptive practice under the Washington Consumer Protection Act. It also violates the state’s Commercial Electronic Mail Act and the Uniform Business Organizations Code.
In addition to stopping the companies’ illegal conduct, Ferguson’s lawsuit seeks restitution for impacted businesses and nonprofits, plus annual interest, in addition to civil penalties. The Consumer Protection Act allows for penalties of up to $7,500 per violation.
Assistant Attorneys General Shidon Aflatooni and Gardner Reed, Investigator Scott Henderson, Paralegals Matt Hehemann and Khalid Ali, and Legal Assistants Michelle Paules and Kristina Winfield are handling the case for Washington.
What businesses are required to file, and where to find more information
Washington businesses and nonprofits are required to file an annual report each year by the last day of the month in which they originally formed. Prior to that date, the Washington Secretary of State notifies the business by mail or email. The Secretary of State does not send text solicitations.
The letter or email from the Secretary of State will detail the annual report filing deadline, renewal fee and the process for filing the report. Businesses can either file online, or complete paper annual reports and return them by mail.
Businesses and nonprofits are not required to submit annual meeting minutes to the state.
The Secretary of State offers comprehensive guides for small business and nonprofits, which include information on annual reports.
There is also an annual reports page on the Secretary of State’s website that includes a link to the Washington Corporations and Charities Filing System where businesses and nonprofits can file their annual reports online. There are also links to business and nonprofit annual report forms, including instructions, which can be downloaded, printed and submitted by mail.
Any business or nonprofit that believes it may be the target of a scam should file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office.
Ferguson’s prior enforcement actions standing up for small business owners targeted in scams
In November 2022, as a result of a lawsuit filed by Ferguson, a King County Superior Court judge ordered CA Certificate Service and Labor Poster Compliance and their owners to pay more than $24.8 million for their unlawful conduct targeting small business owners. The companies sent hundreds of thousands of letters to Washington business owners that deceptively appeared to originate from the government. The letters demanded payments for posters or certificates that they deceptively implied were required to purchase. The certificate is not mandatory and available from the state for a fraction of the cost that CA Certificate Service demanded. The posters are available from state and federal agencies for free.
In March 2016, a King County Superior Court judge ordered civil penalties and restitution of $1.15 million in Ferguson’s lawsuit against Mandatory Poster Agency. The judgment included $793,540 in civil penalties and up to $362,625 in restitution for victims. The Michigan-based company duped thousands of Washington small businesses into paying for documents many Washingtonians thought were coming from a state agency. The judge found Mandatory Poster Agency violated the state Consumer Protection Act 79,354 times.
IN OTHER STATE NEWS HEADLINES:
Electron Hydro dam owner ordered to pay largest financial penalty in an environmental criminal case in state history (details)
Commerce invests nearly $650,000 toward building new statewide Apple Health and Homes network to address chronic homelessness (details)
Washington State Public Works Board opens applications for $235 million in funding.
OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Public Works Board this week opened applications for three funding programs offering a total of $235 million in grants and low-interest loans for public infrastructure projects. This is the first of two application cycles in the 2023-25 biennium. A subsequent funding round is expected to open in 2024. (details)
Settlement reached in appeal of Hanford Site leaking tanks Agreed Order.
RICHLAND –
Work to respond to actively leaking tanks and future tank leaks at the Hanford Site will continue to proceed as planned following a settlement agreement filed with Washington’s Pollution Control Hearings Board today. (details)
State revokes, suspends licenses, certifications, registrations of health care providers.
Jefferson County
In April 2023 the Examining Board of Psychology and Jeremy Joseph Senske (PY60066892) agreed to the suspension of his psychologist license. Senske did not report to the Department of Health that he pleaded guilty to vehicular assault and driving under the influence in 2019, a class B felony and a gross misdemeanor. Senske may petition to reinstate his credential after one year and must participate in a substance use monitoring program if the program determines he is required to enroll, or clinical supervision for one year if he is not. Senske must also pay a $10,000 fine, attend and pass an ethics course, complete six hours of continuing education in the areas of legal and ethical responsibilities, and comply with all criminal court requirements resulting from the collision.
2) NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION:
KILMER, STRICKLAND JOIN PUGET SOUND RECOVERY ADVOCATES AT U.S. CAPITOL
ANNUAL EVENT CELEBRATES PUGET SOUND RECOVERY AND ADVOCACY, RECOGNIZES SUPPORT OF WASHINGTON’S CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION. (details)
Cantwell Urges Biden Administration to Stand Up For WA Potato Growers in Trade Dispute with Japan
Japan, WA’s biggest customer for processed potatoes, still doesn’t allow imports of fresh potatoes after nearly 30 years of negotiations. (details)
Bipartisan Railway Safety Bill Passes Cantwell-Led Commerce Committee in 16-11 Vote, Heads to Full Senate
Eight key provisions in bill will improve freight rail safety, help prevent future train derailment disasters like in East Palestine; Cantwell: “Not enough trains carrying hazardous material are treated with the care that they deserve” (details)
Senator Murray Highlights Critical Importance of Strong Investments in Education and Workforce. (details)
At Hearing on Defense Budget, Senator Murray Underscores Importance of Passing Timely Funding Bills to Keep Pace with Competitors and Support Military Families (details)
3) WORLD & NATIONAL NEWS:
WORLD NEWS:
Nation Marks 50th Anniversary of End of Vietnam War.
The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration today hosted "Welcome Home! A Nation Honors our Vietnam Veterans and their Families," on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. (DOD)
Black Sea Initiative exports top 30 million tonnes from Ukraine, as talks continue over renewal.
The UN-brokered Black Sea Initiative, aimed at ensuring the flow of grain, foodstuffs and fertilizer amid global shortages exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, has now allowed the safe export of more than 30 million tonnes, since it first began in July last year. (details)
As Forum on Forests Session Continues, Delegates Discuss Midterm Review Preparation, Trust Fund Status, Emerging Issues on Forest-Energy Nexus
As the Forum on Forests addressed its preparations for the midterm review on the effectiveness of the international arrangement on forests and the status of its Trust Fund, as well as emerging issues facing forest management, speakers today underlined the need to improve transparency, increase funding and build on the forests-energy-livelihoods nexus. (details)
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Salem Al Sabah Before Their Meeting. ( US STATE DEPT.)
Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield and Ambassador Jim O’Brien at a Foreign Press Center Briefing on the Black Sea Grain Initiative.( USUN)
NATION
GCI Communications Corp. to Pay More than $40 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Related to FCC’s Rural Health Care Program
GCI Communications Corp. (GCI), located in Anchorage, Alaska, has agreed to pay $40,242,546 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly inflating its prices and violating Federal Communications Commission (FCC) competitive bidding regulations in connection with GCI’s participation in the FCC’s Rural Health Care Program. The program provides more than $570 million each year to assist rural health care providers with their telecommunications needs.(DOJ)
Retired Special Education Teacher Sentenced for Traveling Overseas to Sexually Abuse Children
A Pennsylvania man was sentenced today to 35 years in prison for traveling to the Philippines to engage in sex with children as young as 12 years old. (DOJ)
U.S. Department of Education Announces 161 Students to be Honored as 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars (DEPT. OF EDUCATION)
HUD AWARDS MORE THAN $22 MILLION TO EXPAND ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING; HOMEOWNERSHIP
$12.5 million in Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity (SHOP) Grants; $10 million Rural Capacity Building Grants (HUD)
HUD ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $837 MILLION FROM PRESIDENT BIDEN’S INVESTING IN AMERICA AGENDA TO IMPROVE HOUSING QUALITY AND REDUCE ENERGY COSTS FOR UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES
New funding from Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and $4 billion in loan commitment authority will make HUD-assisted multifamily housing more energy efficient, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and improve climate resiliency. (HUD)
4) BUSINESS NEWS:
Court Enjoins Alabama Seafood Processor from Distributing Adulterated Seafood Products
A federal court today enjoined an Irvington, Alabama, company and several of its operators from distributing adulterated seafood products in violation of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA). (DOJ)
The Evolving Nature of Banking, Bank Culture, and Bank Runs
Governor Michelle W. Bowman
At the 21st Annual Symposium on Building the Financial System of the 21st Century: An Agenda for Europe and the United States, European Central Bank, Frankfurt, Germany (THE FED)
Climate Change and Financial Stability
Governor Christopher J. Waller
At the IE University – Banco de España – Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Conference Current Challenges in Economics and Finance, Madrid, Spain. (THE FED)
New Treasury Department, IRS, and Census Study Finds Economic Impact Payments Quickly and Effectively Reached Underserved Communities and Americans Most In Need. (THE Treasury DEPT)
IRS offers tips on preparedness and how to protect personal information during natural disasters (irs)
5) IN FOCUS & LOCAL MEETINGS
IN FOCUS: FUSION POWER Electricity? Or Is it life imitating art?
A “Historic Announcement,” Says Cantwell, as Everett-Based Helion Energy Announces World’s First-Ever Deal to Sell Fusion-Powered Electricity.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, hailed Everett-based Helion Energy’s announcement that they will be the first company in the world to generate and sell electricity from a fusion reactor.
“Fusion is inherently clean, inherently safe, and could one day provide vast amounts of the type of power we need to tackle the climate crisis,” said Sen. Cantwell. “Today’s historic announcement confirms that the State of Washington is the world’s leading hub for fusion energy innovation and commercialization.”
Under the agreement, Helion will provide Microsoft electricity from its first fusion power plant. The plant, which Helion plans to build in the State of Washington, is expected to be online by 2028 with an eventual target power generation of 50 megawatts or greater.
This first-of-its-kind sale agreement comes just six months after the breakthrough demonstration of fusion ignition at the Lawrence Livermore National Labs in California, which proved that fusion could be a viable power generation process.
Fusion, the same process that powers the sun, typically utilizes an inexhaustible supply of water as its fuel, and produces negligible atmospheric emissions and zero greenhouse gas emissions. Fusion reactors cannot meltdown, and do not generate the high-level, long-lasting radioactive waste associated with nuclear fission reactors.
Thanks to leading fusion companies like Helion, which operates out of a 150,000 square foot warehouse near Paine Field, as well as Everett-based Zap and Seattle-based Avalanche, many consider the Puget Sound region to be the world's biggest fusion energy hub.
During a Senate hearing last month, Sen. Cantwell pressed Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm about plans to expand federal support for fusion research. At an Energy Committee hearing last September, Sen. Cantwell asked fusion experts like Dr. Scott Hsu, Lead Fusion Coordinator for the Department of Energy, and Professor Steven Cowley, Director of the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, about what more we can be doing to boost fusion R&D and make sure we can manufacture fusion components domestically.
Congress has shown its support for fusion development in the Cantwell-led CHIPS & Science Act, which authorized nearly $7 billion for fusion-related R&D and pilot projects over the next five years. Last year the White House additionally released a “bold decadal vision” for commercial fusion deployment. The Biden Administration’s recently released budget request asks Congress to invest more than $1 billion to support R&D on fusion reactors. That funding boost is a follow up to a March 17, 2022 White House announcement of a “Bold Decadal Vision for Commercial Fusion Energy.” That announcement set out how, in ten years, the U.S. can have multiple fusion pilot plants of different sizes, approaches, and fuels operating in new fusion technology hubs around the country. Private investment in fusion increased by 139% in the past year alone, now standing at over $5 billion worldwide.
Editor's comment: This is what you find in sceince fiction stories using fusion power to run space ships and other things.
CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS:
Clallam County Work session for 5/15/23
https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05152023-803
Clallam County Commission meeting for 5/16/23
https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05162023-804
Clallam County Health board meeting for 5/16/23
https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05162023-801
City of Port Angeles Council meeting for 5/16/23
https://www.cityofpa.us/DocumentCenter/View/13089/CC-Agenda-Packet-05162023
CLALLAM PUD MEETING FOR 5/15/23
https://clallampud.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/05-15-23-Joint-PUD-CCBOC-Meeting-Packet.pdf
OMC BOARD MEETING FOR 5/17/23
https://www.olympicmedical.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/AGENDA-May-17-2023-Business-Meeting.pdf
JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS:
Jefferson County Commission meeting for 5/15/23
https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/db8e7cd6-3ad5-4ea6-9642-195250ab8c77
PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA FOR 5/15/23
https://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=3534
Weekly devotional
BIBLE VERSE: Proverbs 31:30 (New King James Version)
Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
Weekly Bible Study
What Calvin Taught Me About Kindness,
"What if we always seasoned our speech with salt (Colossians 4:6)? What if we were always more concerned with others interests than our own (Philippians 2:4)?" --Truth for the World
https://truthfortheworld.org/blog/2023/05/12/what-calvin-taught-me-about-kindness
Free bible studies (WBS)
https://www.worldbibleschool.org/
Learn English using the bible as text (WEI)
http://www.worldenglishinstitute.org/
(Join us in worship every Sunday starting at 10:30AM Church of Christ)
1233 E Front St, Port Angeles, WA 98362
The Chosen: About the life of Christ
https://watch.angelstudios.com/thechosen
THIS WEEK'S VIDEOS
James Bond UNDER REVIEW?! Futuristic BOOK BURNING is here.
There is more than one way to burn a book, and the world is full of people running around with lit matches,’ Ray Bradbury, author of Fahrenheit 451, once wrote. And now, the far-left is proving that futuristic book burning — using methods without flames — is here. In this clip, Glenn reveals the most recent ways the left is censoring past, written works — from James Bond novels and Road Dahl classics to Dr. Seuss stories. Plus, he reads Bradbury’s warning for future generations and asks an important question: ‘What are we DOING gang?!’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVs3CS2dbFU
Philemon - Changed Relationships--TFTWTV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1a_EzFYpqtI
The Port Angeles Globe is a weekly Publication, every Saturday-- Publisher, Peter Ripley
