Rutledge issues consumer alerts, tips for avoiding scams

Rutledge issues consumer alerts, tips for avoiding scams

From Amanda Priest

amanda.priest@arkansasag.gov

Don’t Get Taken for a Ride by Imposter Car Renewal Websites

LITTLE ROCK Arkansans are required to annually renew license plate registrations, which can be accomplished online at mydmv.arkansas.gov.

Some online companies, however, have created services that may mislead consumers into purchasing material they do not need.

This problem occurs when a consumer conducts an internet search and clicks on results for a website that appears to be the Arkansas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) but is instead an unrelated site that directs consumers to purchase a registration renewal how-to pamphlet and not a registration renewal. If consumers fall victim to this problem, then consumers run the risk of failing to renew their tags by the deadline and spending money unnecessarily.

“Using any site except the legitimate government one ending in dot G-O-V will result in lost time and money,” said Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “At the time of renewal, the DMV mails a reminder letter which includes the correct web address to complete the registration purchase online.”

Rutledge released to following tips to ensure safety while making purchases online.

• Avoid using an internet search to find the DMV’s site, and instead type mydmv. arkansas. gov directly on the URL at the top of the page.

• When submitting purchase information, look for the “lock” icon on the browser’s status bar, and the phrase “https” in the URL address for a website to be sure information is secure during transmission.

• Use a secure browser— software that encrypts or scrambles the purchase information you send over the Internet—to help guard the security of your information as it is transmitted to a website. Be sure your browser has the most upto- date encryption capabilities by using the latest version available from the manufacturer.

• Check the site’s privacy policy before providing any personal financial information and determine how the information will be used or shared with oth- ers. Also check the site’s statements about the security provided for your information. 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” section of a site.

• Review monthly credit card and bank statements for any errors or unauthorized purchases promptly and thoroughly. Notify your credit or debit card issuer immediately if your credit or debit card or checkbook is lost or stolen, or if you suspect someone is using your accounts without your permission.

• Search for the words “official website” and try to avoid clicking on “ads”

• The misleading websites will often have an attention pop-up on the front page stating that they are not affiliated with any government agency. 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/AGLeslieRu tledge.

Rutledge Celebrates National Consumer Protection Week

LITTLE ROCK — Attorney General Leslie Rutledge released the following statement to kick off National Consumer Protection Week.

“My office is dedicated to protecting Arkansans from con artists and criminals. I am sick of bad actors constantly adapting to find new ways to scam hardworking consumers.

National Consumer Protection Week is an opportunity to educate Arkansans about commons scams.”

Rutledge will be highlighting common scams and complaints received by the Attorney General’s office this week on social media.

Consumers who believe they have been scammed or would like to file a complaint can reach the Attorney General’s office at (501) 682-2007 or online at ArkansasAG.gov

Plan Ahead for Potential Destructive Storms

LITTLE ROCK-As springtime nears, the threat of severe weather increases. There are steps Arkansans can take to be better prepared heading into a potentially dangerous season, which often brings large amounts of rain, floods, severe storms and tornadoes.

“We often talk about what to do following a natural disaster, but there are steps Arkansans can take ahead of time to prepare for a potential disaster,” said Rutledge. “I urge Arkansans to take time to protect your finances and property in advance of the stormy season. These preparations prevent harm to families, promote financial security, and prevent loss of items that may become lost or damaged.”

Attorney General Rutledge released the following tips on how to prepare for potential storms:

• Create an emergency plan to share with friends, family and neighbors.

• Heed severe weather warnings. Once a warning is issued, go to a safe place.

• Secure personal belongings. It is a good idea to always keep an updated record of the descriptions and serial numbers of electronics and other valuables in case they need to be tracked down, replaced or reported to the insurance company after a disaster strikes.

• Review insurance policies and consult with a qualified agent or broker to assess insurance coverages. Recent storms have pushed the capacity of the Cache River to major flood watch due to a threatened breach of the levee along the White River. Both Woodruff and Jackson county officials will continue to monitor and notify local residents of the rivers and levees status as wet weather will continue throughout spring.

Leslie Carol Rutledge is the 56th Attorney General of Arkansas. Elected on November 4, 2014, and sworn in on January 13, 2015, she is the first woman and first Republican in Arkansas history to be elected as Attorney General. She was resoundingly re-elected on November 6, 2018. Since taking office, she has significantly increased the number of arrests and convictions against online predators who exploit children and con artists who steal taxpayer money through Social Security Disability and Medicaid fraud. Further, she has held Rutledge Roundtable meetings and Mobile Office hours in every county of the State each year, and launched a Military and Veterans Initiative. She has led efforts to roll back government regulations that hurt job creators, fight the opioid epidemic, teach internet safety, combat domestic violence and make the office the top law firm for Arkansans.

Rutledge serves as Chairwoman of the National Association of Attorneys General Southern Region and reestablished and co-chairs the National Association of Attorneys General Committee on Agriculture.

As the former Chairwoman of the Republican Attorneys General Association, she remains active on the Executive Board.