Study: State AGs Fail to Adequately Protect Online Consumers
State attorneys general received thousands of complaints about online fraud and abuse in 2006 and 2007. Yet, with the exception of several notable standouts, few states brought significant cases in response to those complaints, according to a report released today from the Center for American Progress and the Center for Democracy and Technology. The study finds online fraud and abuse aren't given a high priority by most attorneys general. The report recommends several steps state attorneys general can take to protect online consumers, such as: assess the applicability and adequacy of state laws; develop computer forensic capabilities; train investigators and prosecutors to identify Internet fraud; and devote greater resources to enforcement efforts.
Online Consumers at Risk and the Role of State Attorneys General By Reece Rushing, Ari Schwartz, Alissa Cooper | August 12, 2008 Center for American Progress Center for Democracy and Technology