WEBVTT 00:00:20.267 --> 00:00:22.234 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -It is my pleasure to welcome you 00:00:22.234 --> 00:00:27.067 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% on behalf of the 960,000 members here 00:00:27.067 --> 00:00:30.234 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% in the state of Washington and welcome you 00:00:30.234 --> 00:00:35.200 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% to launch AARP's unmasking of the Imposters Campaign. 00:00:35.200 --> 00:00:39.534 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% The campaign is a joint effort of AARP Washington 00:00:39.534 --> 00:00:43.601 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and several long-time organizational partners, 00:00:43.601 --> 00:00:48.167 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% the Washington State Attorney General's office, Microsoft, 00:00:48.167 --> 00:00:49.734 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% the Federal Trade Commission 00:00:49.734 --> 00:00:52.534 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and the Boeing Employees Credit Union. 00:00:52.534 --> 00:00:55.801 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% This campaign that we're launching today 00:00:55.801 --> 00:00:59.567 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% is designed to help people of all ages 00:00:59.567 --> 00:01:03.334 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% spot fraudulent impostors in the marketplace. 00:01:03.334 --> 00:01:06.033 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% While stopping fraud has been an important topic 00:01:06.033 --> 00:01:09.667 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% for many years, several forces have converged 00:01:09.667 --> 00:01:12.667 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% to make it even more important today, 00:01:12.667 --> 00:01:17.767 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and what was going on around the world this past week 00:01:17.767 --> 00:01:20.534 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% is just another case 00:01:20.534 --> 00:01:26.133 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and evidence of the necessity of events like today. 00:01:26.133 --> 00:01:27.400 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% One of those forces 00:01:27.400 --> 00:01:30.934 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% is the emergence of sophisticated technology 00:01:30.934 --> 00:01:33.701 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% that allows the bad guys to easily pretend 00:01:33.701 --> 00:01:35.601 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% to be someone they are not. 00:01:35.601 --> 00:01:39.701 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% In today's marketplace, a scammer can press a button 00:01:39.701 --> 00:01:44.667 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and robo-dial 100,000 households for very little expense, 00:01:44.667 --> 00:01:47.234 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and spoofing devices are often used to mask 00:01:47.234 --> 00:01:48.901 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% the caller's phone number 00:01:48.901 --> 00:01:52.300 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% so that even if you have caller ID, 00:01:52.300 --> 00:01:55.400 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% you'll never know who's really calling. 00:01:55.400 --> 00:01:57.801 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Advances in technology have allowed scammers 00:01:57.801 --> 00:02:01.200 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% to create fake web ads that claim to be able to scan 00:02:01.200 --> 00:02:03.000 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% your computer looking for viruses, 00:02:03.000 --> 00:02:07.033 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and I'm sure most of us have had one or more calls like that, 00:02:07.033 --> 00:02:10.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% when in fact they have malware embedded in them 00:02:10.434 --> 00:02:13.801 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% that downloads viruses onto your computer. 00:02:13.801 --> 00:02:17.367 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Another force driving the rise in impostor fraud 00:02:17.367 --> 00:02:20.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% is the global nature of today's marketplace. 00:02:20.300 --> 00:02:23.634 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Scammers from all over the world target Americans, 00:02:23.634 --> 00:02:26.300 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% trying to sell us various fraudulent products 00:02:26.300 --> 00:02:28.167 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% and services. 00:02:28.167 --> 00:02:32.267 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% You'll see examples today when we describe impostors 00:02:32.267 --> 00:02:36.167 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% calling from halfway around the world in places like India. 00:02:36.167 --> 00:02:38.834 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% The global nature of these activities makes it hard 00:02:38.834 --> 00:02:42.167 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% for law enforcement to catch these criminals. 00:02:42.167 --> 00:02:46.801 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% A final factor that has made impostor fraud a hot topic 00:02:46.801 --> 00:02:50.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% is the extent to which many of these scams prey 00:02:50.033 --> 00:02:53.467 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% on our fears and anxieties. 00:02:53.467 --> 00:02:56.167 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Con men use fear to get us to act, 00:02:56.167 --> 00:02:59.801 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% more accurately, react to their pitches. 00:02:59.801 --> 00:03:04.601 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Recent research by AARP and Stanford University 00:03:04.601 --> 00:03:08.167 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% has taught us that when we are in a heightened emotional state, 00:03:08.167 --> 00:03:11.067 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% we make poor financial decisions. 00:03:11.067 --> 00:03:14.300 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% The swindler will try to manufacture 00:03:14.300 --> 00:03:18.801 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% such heightened emotions to get us to take action. 00:03:18.801 --> 00:03:20.968 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Today, you're going to hear presentations 00:03:20.968 --> 00:03:23.601 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% from some of the nation's top experts 00:03:23.601 --> 00:03:26.934 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% on how to spot and prevent investor fraud. 00:03:26.934 --> 00:03:30.033 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Our goal is to provide you with concrete tools 00:03:30.033 --> 00:03:32.501 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% you can use to protect yourselves 00:03:32.501 --> 00:03:36.367 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and your loved ones from these crimes. 00:03:36.367 --> 00:03:38.601 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% One final note, 00:03:38.601 --> 00:03:45.534 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% AARP research shows that you in this room today 00:03:45.534 --> 00:03:49.501 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% are the least vulnerable when it comes to the kinds of things 00:03:49.501 --> 00:03:51.501 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% we're going to be talking about today, 00:03:51.501 --> 00:03:54.667 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and the reason for that is, you're here. 00:03:54.667 --> 00:03:57.968 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% You take the time to come to events like this. 00:03:57.968 --> 00:04:01.434 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% You take the time to listen and read 00:04:01.434 --> 00:04:06.834 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and watch, educate yourself, raise your vigilance 00:04:06.834 --> 00:04:11.033 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and understanding of what's going on around you. 00:04:11.033 --> 00:04:16.834 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% So my request of you is not just to take what you learn today 00:04:16.834 --> 00:04:20.968 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and apply it in your own lives, but talk to you family, 00:04:20.968 --> 00:04:24.000 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% talk to your friends, talk to your neighbors, 00:04:24.000 --> 00:04:27.634 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% share what you hear today and see today, 00:04:27.634 --> 00:04:32.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and let's get on top of this problem and do it together. 00:04:32.033 --> 00:04:34.467 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So I'd like to now introduce Doug Shadel, 00:04:34.467 --> 00:04:36.133 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% who is the executive director 00:04:36.133 --> 00:04:38.467 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% here in the state of Washington for AARP. 00:04:38.467 --> 00:04:39.634 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Doug? 00:04:39.634 --> 00:04:41.968 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% [ Applause ] 00:04:47.534 --> 00:04:48.601 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% -Thank you, Mike. 00:04:48.601 --> 00:04:49.801 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% Wow, what a great turnout. 00:04:49.801 --> 00:04:51.868 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Thank you, all, for coming this morning 00:04:51.868 --> 00:04:53.200 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% and for battling the traffic. 00:04:53.200 --> 00:04:56.367 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% I understand there was a traffic situation down the road. 00:04:56.367 --> 00:04:59.167 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% This is the launch, as Mike said, of our new campaign, 00:04:59.167 --> 00:05:02.200 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Unmasking the Impostors, and we are really fortunate 00:05:02.200 --> 00:05:04.367 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% this morning to have Attorney General Bob 00:05:04.367 --> 00:05:07.734 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Ferguson with us, and by way of introduction, 00:05:07.734 --> 00:05:09.567 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I've got two things I want to do with Bob. 00:05:09.567 --> 00:05:11.100 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% He can only be here for a short time 00:05:11.100 --> 00:05:13.868 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% with us this morning, but I want to embarrass him 00:05:13.868 --> 00:05:16.167 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% a little bit by both introducing him 00:05:16.167 --> 00:05:17.968 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and acknowledging some of the great work 00:05:17.968 --> 00:05:20.267 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% he's done as our attorney general. 00:05:20.267 --> 00:05:22.200 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% You know, I'm sort of embarrassed to admit this, 00:05:22.200 --> 00:05:24.767 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% but I have worked with five attorney generals, 00:05:24.767 --> 00:05:26.901 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% dating back to the 1970s. 00:05:26.901 --> 00:05:30.200 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Slade Gorton was the first AG I worked for, 00:05:30.200 --> 00:05:33.067 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and all of these folks have been wonderful public servants 00:05:33.067 --> 00:05:35.400 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% committed to protecting us from harm. 00:05:35.400 --> 00:05:38.567 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% But I have to admit, I have never seen, 00:05:38.567 --> 00:05:42.801 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% I have never quite seen an AG work as hard to protect us 00:05:42.801 --> 00:05:45.467 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% as Bob Ferguson has, and, you know, 00:05:45.467 --> 00:05:48.167 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% I can't list all of the things that he has done, 00:05:48.167 --> 00:05:50.534 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% but I want to point out a couple things that just, 00:05:50.534 --> 00:05:53.367 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% in our world with protecting seniors, 00:05:53.367 --> 00:05:57.400 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% he has done since being in the office. 00:05:57.400 --> 00:05:59.334 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% One of the things I was just conferring with Shannon Smith, 00:05:59.334 --> 00:06:00.901 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% who's the director of Consumer Protection -- 00:06:00.901 --> 00:06:02.868 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Shannon, wave -- in the back, 00:06:02.868 --> 00:06:04.400 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% is that since coming into office, 00:06:04.400 --> 00:06:08.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Bob has doubled the staff of the Consumer Protection division. 00:06:08.033 --> 00:06:10.000 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% This is the part of the organization 00:06:10.000 --> 00:06:12.200 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% that protects us from crime. 00:06:12.200 --> 00:06:15.601 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Doubled the staff, doubled the number of recoveries, 00:06:15.601 --> 00:06:17.834 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% suing everybody from small-time con men 00:06:17.834 --> 00:06:19.767 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% to multinational corporations 00:06:19.767 --> 00:06:22.767 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% to protect us from these abusive practices. 00:06:22.767 --> 00:06:24.200 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% A second thing I want to point out 00:06:24.200 --> 00:06:25.801 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% is that he has been really supportive. 00:06:25.801 --> 00:06:28.367 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% He's traveled with us every time we've done a campaign like this. 00:06:28.367 --> 00:06:29.868 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% We're going to be in Kennewick next week. 00:06:29.868 --> 00:06:31.968 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% We're going to be in Vancouver in the middle of July, 00:06:31.968 --> 00:06:33.334 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and he's been doing this every year 00:06:33.334 --> 00:06:34.801 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% since he's been in office, 00:06:34.801 --> 00:06:37.534 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% helping to get to people ahead of time 00:06:37.534 --> 00:06:39.834 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% to prevent these kinds of crimes. 00:06:39.834 --> 00:06:42.033 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% He's also been to our Fraud Fighter call center, 00:06:42.033 --> 00:06:44.834 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% made calls, sat down and made calls 00:06:44.834 --> 00:06:47.367 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and even done PSAs, and the last thing 00:06:47.367 --> 00:06:52.167 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I just want to point out, we just got helped a little bit, 00:06:52.167 --> 00:06:56.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% but, really, Bob did this, passed House Bill 1143, 00:06:56.033 --> 00:06:58.334 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% which is the vulnerable adults legislation. 00:06:58.334 --> 00:07:00.734 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% It was an AG request legislation 00:07:00.734 --> 00:07:03.267 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% that protects vulnerable adults from abuse. 00:07:03.267 --> 00:07:06.667 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% So we've decided this morning that, in short, 00:07:06.667 --> 00:07:08.400 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% when it comes to protecting consumers, 00:07:08.400 --> 00:07:11.767 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% there has really been no greater champion, in my experience, 00:07:11.767 --> 00:07:14.567 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% than Attorney General Bob Ferguson. 00:07:14.567 --> 00:07:19.667 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Why don't you come up here, Bob? We want to give you an award. 00:07:19.667 --> 00:07:21.267 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% Yes. 00:07:23.701 --> 00:07:25.267 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -Thank you. -Congratulations. 00:07:25.267 --> 00:07:27.601 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% -Thank you. 00:07:27.601 --> 00:07:30.534 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -This is the Fraud Fighter of the Year award, 00:07:30.534 --> 00:07:31.901 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and we don't give these out lightly. 00:07:31.901 --> 00:07:33.534 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% I think I've given out two before. 00:07:33.534 --> 00:07:34.834 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% -Okay. 00:07:34.834 --> 00:07:36.801 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -"To Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson 00:07:36.801 --> 00:07:39.300 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% for his relentless commitment to protecting consumers 00:07:39.300 --> 00:07:42.534 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% from financial exploitation and abuse in the marketplace." 00:07:42.534 --> 00:07:43.734 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Thank you for all the work you've done. 00:07:43.734 --> 00:07:46.501 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% -Thanks. Thank you. 00:07:46.501 --> 00:07:48.100 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -I'll just put this here for you. 00:07:48.100 --> 00:07:50.934 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% -Okay, thank you. 00:07:50.934 --> 00:07:52.267 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% Doug, thanks so much, 00:07:52.267 --> 00:07:54.868 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and it's great to be here to see all of you. 00:07:54.868 --> 00:07:56.367 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% It's great to receive that award, 00:07:56.367 --> 00:08:00.901 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and as you might imagine, you introduced Shannon, 00:08:00.901 --> 00:08:02.767 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and we have another individual from our office, 00:08:02.767 --> 00:08:04.167 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% Elena is here, as well. 00:08:04.167 --> 00:08:06.534 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% They are the folks who really do all the work, right, 00:08:06.534 --> 00:08:08.067 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% as you can all appreciate. 00:08:08.067 --> 00:08:11.067 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% There's a team of folks in our Consumer Protection Division. 00:08:11.067 --> 00:08:12.567 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% They are doing the work every day, 00:08:12.567 --> 00:08:14.734 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and Doug mentioned we've doubled the size 00:08:14.734 --> 00:08:16.501 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% of our consumer protection team. 00:08:16.501 --> 00:08:17.734 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% Shannon knows this. 00:08:17.734 --> 00:08:19.234 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% My goal is to have the largest 00:08:19.234 --> 00:08:21.200 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Consumer Protection Division in the country, 00:08:21.200 --> 00:08:23.234 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% the largest one for any -- Thank you very much -- 00:08:23.234 --> 00:08:24.634 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% for any attorney general in the country. 00:08:24.634 --> 00:08:26.067 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% That's the goal. 00:08:26.067 --> 00:08:27.734 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% That's where we're going, and I want you to know 00:08:27.734 --> 00:08:29.734 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% there are no taxpayer dollars 00:08:29.734 --> 00:08:32.400 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% involved in paying for that growth. 00:08:32.400 --> 00:08:35.501 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% When we bring a lawsuit against a bad actor, 00:08:35.501 --> 00:08:38.367 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and they pay us a settlement or pay a penalty, 00:08:38.367 --> 00:08:39.534 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% we send money to the state, 00:08:39.534 --> 00:08:42.000 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% but we also reinvest back into our office. 00:08:42.000 --> 00:08:44.234 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So Shannon's salary, Elena's salary, 00:08:44.234 --> 00:08:46.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% that's all paid for by bad actors 00:08:46.033 --> 00:08:47.801 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% who are breaking the law who we bring to court. 00:08:47.801 --> 00:08:49.834 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% We're a moneymaker for the state, right? 00:08:49.834 --> 00:08:51.467 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% We're a moneymaker for the state. 00:08:54.100 --> 00:08:55.334 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And one more thing I just have to mention. 00:08:55.334 --> 00:08:58.033 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% I have a few slide for you, and I do apologize 00:08:58.033 --> 00:08:59.167 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% I have to slip out afterwards. 00:08:59.167 --> 00:09:00.767 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% I have a flight I'm going to catch, 00:09:00.767 --> 00:09:02.968 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% but Elena and Shannon are here in the back at a table, 00:09:02.968 --> 00:09:04.868 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% who can answer any questions you have. 00:09:04.868 --> 00:09:07.067 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% But you mentioned I did some calls at the call center once. 00:09:07.067 --> 00:09:08.501 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% This is great. 00:09:08.501 --> 00:09:10.000 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% So I was doing these calls, and I'm calling people up, 00:09:10.000 --> 00:09:11.734 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and it was a campaign, I think, to educate folks 00:09:11.734 --> 00:09:13.667 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% about different scams that were out there. 00:09:13.667 --> 00:09:15.634 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% So I called, this one lady answered the phone, 00:09:15.634 --> 00:09:18.033 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and I said, "Hello, my name is Bob Ferguson. 00:09:18.033 --> 00:09:19.267 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% I'm your attorney general, 00:09:19.267 --> 00:09:20.834 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and I'm calling with some information for you," 00:09:20.834 --> 00:09:25.000 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and she said, "I don't think you're Bob Ferguson." 00:09:25.000 --> 00:09:26.467 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And I said, "No, no, I really am. 00:09:26.467 --> 00:09:27.767 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I'm here at the call center." 00:09:27.767 --> 00:09:31.234 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% She said, "I think this is a scam. You're" -- 00:09:31.234 --> 00:09:33.734 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I literally tried to persuade her I was who I was, 00:09:33.734 --> 00:09:35.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% but to her credit, to her credit, 00:09:35.434 --> 00:09:37.400 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% she was suspicious that somebody was calling her up, 00:09:37.400 --> 00:09:40.000 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% claiming to be the attorney general with information, 00:09:40.000 --> 00:09:41.033 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% and she hung up on me. 00:09:41.033 --> 00:09:43.167 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% That was what happened. 00:09:43.167 --> 00:09:44.501 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% So I'm not sure if she's here today, 00:09:44.501 --> 00:09:46.100 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% but I never did persuade her. 00:09:46.100 --> 00:09:49.300 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% But, really, I appreciated her skepticism. Right? 00:09:49.300 --> 00:09:51.634 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% I did because that was the theme today is: 00:09:51.634 --> 00:09:54.601 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Impostors, people who call and say they're someone 00:09:54.601 --> 00:09:56.701 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% they are not, or it's an Internet scam. 00:09:56.701 --> 00:09:58.100 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% We see it all the time, 00:09:58.100 --> 00:10:00.868 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and so I have a few slides to talk about a couple things 00:10:00.868 --> 00:10:03.934 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% we've seen in our office that I wanted to share with you, 00:10:03.934 --> 00:10:06.434 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and I think in here there might even be a short video, as well, 00:10:06.434 --> 00:10:08.133 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and when that comes, hopefully I can click on it 00:10:08.133 --> 00:10:09.467 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% so I can prepare you for it. 00:10:09.467 --> 00:10:12.367 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Okay, so, of course, I start any slide presentation 00:10:12.367 --> 00:10:14.067 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% with a picture of me and my mother. 00:10:14.067 --> 00:10:16.434 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% So that's me as a very young boy. 00:10:16.434 --> 00:10:19.000 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% I'm not sure how old I am there. 00:10:19.000 --> 00:10:21.100 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% My parents had a house on Queen Anne Hill. 00:10:21.100 --> 00:10:22.567 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% So I grew up right here. 00:10:22.567 --> 00:10:24.934 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% I'm a fourth-generation Washingtonian. 00:10:24.934 --> 00:10:27.200 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% My mother is a retired public schoolteacher. 00:10:27.200 --> 00:10:29.734 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% She taught special education in public schools, 00:10:29.734 --> 00:10:31.367 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% in addition to raising seven children: 00:10:31.367 --> 00:10:34.901 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% six boys and one long-suffering sister. 00:10:34.901 --> 00:10:38.534 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And so my mom is -- My father has passed away. 00:10:38.534 --> 00:10:39.701 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% My mom is very much alive. 00:10:39.701 --> 00:10:41.434 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% She turns -- There are cameras here 00:10:41.434 --> 00:10:44.033 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% so I shouldn't say this on TV, but she's about to turn 89. 00:10:44.033 --> 00:10:46.067 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% She's as sharp as she ever was. 00:10:46.067 --> 00:10:48.801 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% But I have a picture of her here because she's new 00:10:48.801 --> 00:10:51.067 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% to the Internet, relatively speaking, right, 00:10:51.067 --> 00:10:53.901 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% but she wanted to learn how to e-mail and all that 00:10:53.901 --> 00:10:55.267 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% because she's got grandkids, 00:10:55.267 --> 00:10:58.234 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and that's how the grandkids communicate, 00:10:58.234 --> 00:11:00.901 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and she wants to keep up on what's going on with her family, 00:11:00.901 --> 00:11:02.567 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% her large family. 00:11:02.567 --> 00:11:05.801 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And so not long after I got elected attorney general, 00:11:05.801 --> 00:11:08.801 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I went by to visit her, just stopped by to say hello, 00:11:08.801 --> 00:11:11.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and she lives here in Seattle at a retirement community, 00:11:11.434 --> 00:11:13.501 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and I walked in, and she was at the computer. 00:11:13.501 --> 00:11:15.701 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And she said, "Oh, Bobby, I'm so glad you're here. 00:11:15.701 --> 00:11:18.000 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% I've got a strange e-mail," 00:11:18.000 --> 00:11:19.467 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and the e-mail was from a friend of hers. 00:11:19.467 --> 00:11:20.634 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% I'll call her Sally. 00:11:20.634 --> 00:11:22.868 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Sally had written my mom an e-mail 00:11:22.868 --> 00:11:24.601 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% saying she was traveling abroad. 00:11:24.601 --> 00:11:27.968 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% She'd lost her passport, lost her wallet, right? 00:11:27.968 --> 00:11:29.400 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% See, we got an educated crowd here, Doug. 00:11:29.400 --> 00:11:31.334 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% They know where this is going, right? 00:11:31.334 --> 00:11:33.501 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And saying, hey, she needed $500. 00:11:33.501 --> 00:11:35.701 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% Could my mom wire $500? 00:11:35.701 --> 00:11:37.300 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% Now, my mom was suspicious. 00:11:37.300 --> 00:11:38.734 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% She said, "I don't know if that's right." 00:11:38.734 --> 00:11:41.234 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% She said, "I don't think Sally is traveling." 00:11:41.234 --> 00:11:43.501 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Now, keep in mind my mom is new to the Internet at this point. 00:11:43.501 --> 00:11:44.767 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% Right? 00:11:44.767 --> 00:11:45.934 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% I said, "Mom, I think it's probably a scam. 00:11:45.934 --> 00:11:47.767 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Someone has hacked into Sally's e-mail 00:11:47.767 --> 00:11:51.100 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and is sending out these e-mails to everybody on her list." 00:11:51.100 --> 00:11:52.734 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So my mom called Sally up. 00:11:52.734 --> 00:11:54.701 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Sally lives a mile away, and Sally, of course, 00:11:54.701 --> 00:11:56.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% was at home and had no idea 00:11:56.434 --> 00:11:59.367 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% that this has happened to her computer, had no idea. 00:11:59.367 --> 00:12:01.501 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Now do I think my mom would have fallen for it? 00:12:01.501 --> 00:12:04.501 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% I don't think so, but she wasn't sure. 00:12:04.501 --> 00:12:05.734 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% She hadn't seen one of those before. 00:12:05.734 --> 00:12:09.267 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% She was new to the Internet, but the point is, 00:12:09.267 --> 00:12:11.334 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and I think to Mike's point about taking this information 00:12:11.334 --> 00:12:13.133 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and sharing it with others because, look, 00:12:13.133 --> 00:12:15.534 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% not every 88-year-old grandmother 00:12:15.534 --> 00:12:16.901 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% has a son who's the attorney general 00:12:16.901 --> 00:12:18.567 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% stopping by to check on her at home. 00:12:18.567 --> 00:12:20.667 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Right? That's true, right? 00:12:20.667 --> 00:12:22.868 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% A lot of folks do not have that, 00:12:22.868 --> 00:12:26.000 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and we talk to Mom about what we see out there. 00:12:26.000 --> 00:12:28.167 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% She'd be in your camp of being more knowledgeable than most, 00:12:28.167 --> 00:12:29.968 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% but please do share that information. 00:12:29.968 --> 00:12:32.033 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% It is so important. Mike is absolutely right. 00:12:32.033 --> 00:12:34.467 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Okay, so I've got a couple -- Oh, and I do want to say, 00:12:34.467 --> 00:12:36.734 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% on the award and the partnership, 00:12:36.734 --> 00:12:39.467 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% that's a picture of Doug and I doing a TV interview. 00:12:39.467 --> 00:12:41.267 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% It's been a tremendous partnership now for, 00:12:41.267 --> 00:12:42.767 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% I think we're on our 50-year. 00:12:42.767 --> 00:12:44.400 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% We are in the Tri-Cities, I think next week, 00:12:44.400 --> 00:12:46.334 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% for exactly one of these events. 00:12:46.334 --> 00:12:48.133 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% AARP does fantastic work. 00:12:48.133 --> 00:12:49.367 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% They're really our best partner 00:12:49.367 --> 00:12:52.000 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% that we have to educate folks on the front end 00:12:52.000 --> 00:12:54.534 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% to avoid the really many heartbreaking stories 00:12:54.534 --> 00:12:57.100 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% that we see all too often. 00:12:57.100 --> 00:12:59.934 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% I just have to note I am, kindly, I think last year, 00:12:59.934 --> 00:13:01.834 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Doug gave me an honorary membership to AARP. 00:13:01.834 --> 00:13:03.868 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% I'm not old enough. So I'm on. 00:13:03.868 --> 00:13:07.601 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% So my wife Colleen, she's a few years younger than me, 00:13:07.601 --> 00:13:09.968 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% but she can only put it off for so long. 00:13:09.968 --> 00:13:11.234 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% She's now a member, as well. 00:13:11.234 --> 00:13:12.434 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% Yeah. All right. 00:13:12.434 --> 00:13:15.567 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So our Consumer Protection Division, in 2016, 00:13:15.567 --> 00:13:18.167 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% we received, as you can see, 00:13:18.167 --> 00:13:21.701 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% tens of thousands of complaints to our office. 00:13:21.701 --> 00:13:23.667 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Right? People call. They write. 00:13:23.667 --> 00:13:26.634 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% They e-mail with a huge range of concerns. 00:13:26.634 --> 00:13:27.868 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I just want to give you some -- 00:13:27.868 --> 00:13:31.067 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% a data point there on the scale of what we see. 00:13:31.067 --> 00:13:32.501 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Half of the consumer fraud victims 00:13:32.501 --> 00:13:35.801 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% we see are over the age of 50. 00:13:35.801 --> 00:13:38.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I want to talk just about two scams. 00:13:38.434 --> 00:13:39.634 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% There are many, and you'll hear others, 00:13:39.634 --> 00:13:42.267 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% but just two that we see. 00:13:42.267 --> 00:13:44.367 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% One that's especially difficult for us 00:13:44.367 --> 00:13:48.567 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% to, frankly, find the bad actors, 00:13:48.567 --> 00:13:49.968 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and the other where we had a positive 00:13:49.968 --> 00:13:51.234 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% outcome which I'll tell you about. 00:13:51.234 --> 00:13:54.868 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So first this recent scam, this IRS scam, 00:13:54.868 --> 00:13:57.400 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and this is where scammers call you up, 00:13:57.400 --> 00:13:59.334 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and they impersonate. They're an impostor. 00:13:59.334 --> 00:14:02.567 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% They impersonate being an IRS agent, 00:14:02.567 --> 00:14:04.701 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and they demand payment for taxes owed. 00:14:04.701 --> 00:14:08.601 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I think it was Doug or Mike talking about, in a scam, 00:14:08.601 --> 00:14:12.334 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% someone wants to get you in a heightened emotional state. 00:14:12.334 --> 00:14:14.968 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% They want to make you afraid or nervous or concerned. 00:14:14.968 --> 00:14:16.634 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% That's what these folks do. 00:14:16.634 --> 00:14:20.000 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% You owe back taxes, and they will know 00:14:20.000 --> 00:14:21.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% some of your personal information. 00:14:21.434 --> 00:14:25.868 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% The caller ID itself will appear as if the IRS is calling. 00:14:25.868 --> 00:14:26.868 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Right? 00:14:26.868 --> 00:14:28.868 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So there are data points where you think, 00:14:28.868 --> 00:14:31.501 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% "Oh, you this might be real," and, look, let's be honest. 00:14:31.501 --> 00:14:33.868 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Sometimes we can forget, go, "Did I really send those taxes? 00:14:33.868 --> 00:14:35.734 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Did I file all of them? Did I do it right?" 00:14:35.734 --> 00:14:37.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% It's a confusing system. 00:14:37.300 --> 00:14:41.000 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% They can also send e-mails and call multiple times, 00:14:41.000 --> 00:14:43.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and they can be really aggressive, 00:14:43.300 --> 00:14:47.734 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and folks all around the country will send them money. 00:14:47.734 --> 00:14:49.968 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% The IRS does not do this. 00:14:49.968 --> 00:14:54.334 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% The IRS will not ask for payment via prepaid debit card, 00:14:54.334 --> 00:14:56.467 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% for example, or a wire transfer. 00:14:56.467 --> 00:14:58.601 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% They don't involve law enforcement officers 00:14:58.601 --> 00:15:02.267 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% or immigration authorities with their tactics. 00:15:02.267 --> 00:15:03.467 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% They don't do that. 00:15:03.467 --> 00:15:05.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% They do not use threats or attempt to bully you. 00:15:05.300 --> 00:15:08.200 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So if you get this call, hang up and report it. 00:15:08.200 --> 00:15:12.567 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Do report it to us, but this is very, very common, 00:15:12.567 --> 00:15:14.634 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% all across the country, folks calling 00:15:14.634 --> 00:15:16.234 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and saying they're from the IRS. 00:15:16.234 --> 00:15:19.934 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So if you get that call, ignore that. 00:15:19.934 --> 00:15:22.267 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% If you feel like there really might be something legitimate, 00:15:22.267 --> 00:15:24.701 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% hang up and call the IRS up and ask them. 00:15:24.701 --> 00:15:26.200 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Right? 00:15:26.200 --> 00:15:27.801 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Then you know you're talking to someone who is legitimate. 00:15:27.801 --> 00:15:30.267 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I'll give you one more. 00:15:30.267 --> 00:15:35.067 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% We see a lot of really egregious scams. 00:15:35.067 --> 00:15:37.067 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% This one is up there in my book. 00:15:37.067 --> 00:15:40.701 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So this is again in the impostor category, right, 00:15:40.701 --> 00:15:42.467 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% someone claiming to be someone they're not. 00:15:42.467 --> 00:15:46.567 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So this is an entity called the Christian Prayer Center, 00:15:46.567 --> 00:15:49.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and a Seattle man created a website 00:15:49.434 --> 00:15:53.234 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% offering prayer services for a fee, 00:15:53.234 --> 00:15:54.868 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% prayer services for a fee, 00:15:54.868 --> 00:15:58.801 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and so consumers put in requests for things like -- 00:15:58.801 --> 00:16:03.601 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% These are real examples, right, a husband fighting cancer, 00:16:03.601 --> 00:16:06.100 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% a child facing a terminal illness. 00:16:06.100 --> 00:16:08.667 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Folks are in a desperate situation. 00:16:08.667 --> 00:16:10.501 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Hey, I believe in the power of prayer. 00:16:10.501 --> 00:16:12.701 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Right? I believe in it. 00:16:12.701 --> 00:16:14.067 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I bet many people in this room do. 00:16:14.067 --> 00:16:15.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I believe in that. 00:16:15.300 --> 00:16:17.367 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Folks are desperate. 00:16:17.367 --> 00:16:19.901 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Imagine you're facing a child with a terminal disease. 00:16:19.901 --> 00:16:21.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Your husband has cancer. 00:16:21.434 --> 00:16:22.834 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% You're desperate. 00:16:22.834 --> 00:16:24.400 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% You will do anything, right? 00:16:24.400 --> 00:16:26.634 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% You will do anything, even if it's a long shot. 00:16:26.634 --> 00:16:28.133 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% People sent money. 00:16:28.133 --> 00:16:30.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Here is what the web page looked like. 00:16:33.901 --> 00:16:36.200 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Right? I don't think you can really -- 00:16:36.200 --> 00:16:38.767 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% It might be hard to read the ones down here at the bottom, 00:16:38.767 --> 00:16:40.100 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% but they have things like, 00:16:40.100 --> 00:16:42.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% "My wife and I miraculously reconciled last November 00:16:42.300 --> 00:16:44.200 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and canceled our divorce proceedings. 00:16:44.200 --> 00:16:45.501 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Believe it was the power of prayer." 00:16:45.501 --> 00:16:47.834 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% These are -- turned out to be fake testimonials, 00:16:47.834 --> 00:16:50.667 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% right, at the bottom. 00:16:50.667 --> 00:16:52.567 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Everything about this tugging at your heart strings, 00:16:52.567 --> 00:16:56.200 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% right, the little girl, right, praying? 00:16:56.200 --> 00:16:58.467 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% "Post prayer requests and receive prayers 00:16:58.467 --> 00:17:00.601 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% from thousands of Christians." 00:17:03.801 --> 00:17:10.200 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So the website actually created fake religious leaders. 00:17:10.200 --> 00:17:12.267 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% These people did not exist. 00:17:12.267 --> 00:17:13.934 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So one was, I think the main one, 00:17:13.934 --> 00:17:16.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% if I remember correctly, was Pastor John Carlson. 00:17:16.300 --> 00:17:18.901 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% They gave him a name, Pastor John Carlson, 00:17:18.901 --> 00:17:22.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% that this was the person in charge. 00:17:22.300 --> 00:17:24.601 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% As it turned out, there really is a Pastor John Carlson 00:17:24.601 --> 00:17:25.968 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% in Washington State. 00:17:25.968 --> 00:17:27.067 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% He actually exists. 00:17:27.067 --> 00:17:29.234 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% He has zero affiliation with this group, 00:17:29.234 --> 00:17:31.501 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and he stated he's received threats from consumers 00:17:31.501 --> 00:17:34.934 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% once they realized this was all a scam. 00:17:34.934 --> 00:17:36.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Right? 00:17:36.300 --> 00:17:37.834 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Now I think the next video may go right into the audio. 00:17:37.834 --> 00:17:39.267 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I'm not sure if I have to click on it twice. 00:17:39.267 --> 00:17:40.667 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So the next one is a -- 00:17:40.667 --> 00:17:43.000 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% It's just it made national news, this case we brought. 00:17:43.000 --> 00:17:44.334 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So I think the next one is a video. 00:17:44.334 --> 00:17:47.067 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% It might go right to it. If not, I'll click on it twice. 00:17:47.067 --> 00:17:48.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So I think I'm going to click one more time, 00:17:48.300 --> 00:17:49.567 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and I think there's a video here. 00:17:49.567 --> 00:17:51.801 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -This morning, authorities say this man, 00:17:51.801 --> 00:17:53.834 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Benjamin Rogovy, preyed upon more 00:17:53.834 --> 00:17:56.334 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% than 100,000 unsuspecting victims 00:17:56.334 --> 00:17:59.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% during a time of need by ripping them off 00:17:59.300 --> 00:18:02.000 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% through his website, Christian Prayer Center. 00:18:02.000 --> 00:18:04.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% The site is sort of online church, 00:18:04.434 --> 00:18:06.968 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% complete with digital collection plate. 00:18:06.968 --> 00:18:11.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Every prayer came with a price tag of between 9 and $35. 00:18:13.734 --> 00:18:14.801 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% That's a short snippet. 00:18:14.801 --> 00:18:15.934 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% That's was "Good Morning America." 00:18:15.934 --> 00:18:17.968 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% It got national attention on this thing. 00:18:17.968 --> 00:18:19.234 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So what they did was they offered 00:18:19.234 --> 00:18:22.334 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% these continued blessings, this website, 00:18:22.334 --> 00:18:26.901 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and they also confused consumers into making recurring payments. 00:18:26.901 --> 00:18:28.801 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So you thought you were paying one time. 00:18:28.801 --> 00:18:29.834 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% This, by the way, is very common. 00:18:29.834 --> 00:18:31.067 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Be cautious about this. 00:18:31.067 --> 00:18:32.601 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% You think you're paying once, 00:18:32.601 --> 00:18:35.868 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% but you're actually signing up for a recurring charge. 00:18:35.868 --> 00:18:37.400 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Just something to be aware of in general, 00:18:37.400 --> 00:18:39.133 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% but that's what was going on here. 00:18:39.133 --> 00:18:45.367 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% He ended up collecting more than $7 million, 7 million bucks. 00:18:45.367 --> 00:18:46.400 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Right? 00:18:46.400 --> 00:18:47.701 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% He had another scam on the side 00:18:47.701 --> 00:18:49.968 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% going which I'm going to spare you the details on, 00:18:49.968 --> 00:18:53.734 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% but we brought a lawsuit, were successful. 00:18:53.734 --> 00:18:55.234 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Folks he scammed got money back, 00:18:55.234 --> 00:18:57.334 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% or they had an option to send in a form, right, say, 00:18:57.334 --> 00:18:58.801 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% "Hey, I want to get my money back." 00:18:58.801 --> 00:19:00.067 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Well, we felt some people might have thought, 00:19:00.067 --> 00:19:01.200 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% hey, they really got what they wanted. 00:19:01.200 --> 00:19:02.234 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% They asked for prayers, 00:19:02.234 --> 00:19:03.801 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and maybe they felt they got that, 00:19:03.801 --> 00:19:05.667 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% but we set up a system where if someone wanted their money back, 00:19:05.667 --> 00:19:08.701 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% they were able to get that as a result of what this guy did. 00:19:08.701 --> 00:19:11.934 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% But that's an example of an impostor fraud. 00:19:11.934 --> 00:19:13.801 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -Did he go to jail? -He doesn't go to jail. 00:19:13.801 --> 00:19:16.067 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% We have civil author-- Somebody asked, "Did he go to jail?" 00:19:16.067 --> 00:19:17.634 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% We only have civil authority, right? 00:19:17.634 --> 00:19:19.033 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% So our Consumer Protection, Shannon, 00:19:19.033 --> 00:19:21.934 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% who leads that operation, we're a civil operation. 00:19:21.934 --> 00:19:24.501 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% There are local law enforcement, your county prosecutors, 00:19:24.501 --> 00:19:26.467 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% who can bring criminal charges against folks 00:19:26.467 --> 00:19:27.767 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% if they see it's appropriate, 00:19:27.767 --> 00:19:29.434 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% but we have that civil authority. 00:19:29.434 --> 00:19:34.200 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So just a last thing is, hey, to contact us and call us, 00:19:34.200 --> 00:19:39.000 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% to e-mail us, to chat with Shannon or Elena in the back. 00:19:39.000 --> 00:19:42.567 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% This is important for us and many, most, I suppose, 00:19:42.567 --> 00:19:44.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% about the cases that we actually bring, 00:19:44.434 --> 00:19:45.868 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% the investigations we start, 00:19:45.868 --> 00:19:49.200 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% the cases we bring are based on complaints from consumers. 00:19:49.200 --> 00:19:51.467 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% That's how we hear about it: complaints from consumers. 00:19:51.467 --> 00:19:53.267 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% They call us up. 00:19:53.267 --> 00:19:55.734 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Shannon has meetings every week with her team. 00:19:55.734 --> 00:19:57.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% They go through and track the number 00:19:57.033 --> 00:19:58.467 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% of complaints that come in. 00:19:58.467 --> 00:20:01.100 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Now, you can see with tens of thousands of complaints, 00:20:01.100 --> 00:20:02.868 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% we can't go after every single one, 00:20:02.868 --> 00:20:04.767 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% but we go after a lot of them. And Doug is right. 00:20:04.767 --> 00:20:06.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% We've double the numbers of cases we've brought, 00:20:06.434 --> 00:20:08.601 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% doubled the numbers of recoveries we've brought, 00:20:08.601 --> 00:20:12.000 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and as a final thought, you know, as attorney general, 00:20:12.000 --> 00:20:15.734 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% to me, Shannon knows this, there's no more important work 00:20:15.734 --> 00:20:19.734 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% we do than consumer protection, protecting consumers out there. 00:20:19.734 --> 00:20:22.100 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Because the stories we see are truly heartbreaking, 00:20:22.100 --> 00:20:24.434 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and that's why we're growing the operation. 00:20:24.434 --> 00:20:25.834 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% That's why we're going to continue to grow it, 00:20:25.834 --> 00:20:27.801 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% to make it the largest Consumer Protection Division 00:20:27.801 --> 00:20:29.067 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% in the country, period. 00:20:29.067 --> 00:20:30.934 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% That's my goal. 00:20:30.934 --> 00:20:33.701 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Few things in the world get me more upset 00:20:33.701 --> 00:20:37.234 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% than someone like that guy at the Christian Prayer service. 00:20:37.234 --> 00:20:38.667 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% It really angers me. 00:20:38.667 --> 00:20:40.667 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% It really does. 00:20:40.667 --> 00:20:42.467 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% My mom has friends at her retirement community 00:20:42.467 --> 00:20:44.167 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% who have fallen victim to the kids 00:20:44.167 --> 00:20:45.701 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% of frauds we're talking about. 00:20:45.701 --> 00:20:47.467 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So I know that sometimes it's easy to think, 00:20:47.467 --> 00:20:49.400 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% particularly if you're educated, is that, "Hey, 00:20:49.400 --> 00:20:52.467 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I would never fall for that. I would never fall for it." 00:20:52.467 --> 00:20:54.834 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% I'm just telling you, 00:20:54.834 --> 00:20:56.601 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% I've met my mom's friends who have fallen for it. 00:20:56.601 --> 00:21:00.701 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% These are smart capable people with successful careers, 00:21:00.701 --> 00:21:03.033 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% now retired, who are as sharp as they've ever been, 00:21:03.033 --> 00:21:05.968 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% but they get put in a heightened emotional state, 00:21:05.968 --> 00:21:07.133 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% and they fall for it, 00:21:07.133 --> 00:21:08.701 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and they regret it as soon as they did it. 00:21:08.701 --> 00:21:09.934 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% Right? 00:21:09.934 --> 00:21:11.000 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% So do share the information you learned today 00:21:11.000 --> 00:21:12.400 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% with your friends, with your family. 00:21:12.400 --> 00:21:13.801 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% It'll go a long way, and I really appreciate 00:21:13.801 --> 00:21:15.000 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% all of you being here today. 00:21:15.000 --> 00:21:16.334 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% It's great to see you. Have a great day. 00:21:16.334 --> 00:21:17.501 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% Thanks so much. 00:21:17.501 --> 00:21:20.067 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% [ Applause ] 00:21:22.267 --> 00:21:26.467 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% ♪♪