Campaign Blog
AG Gansler Secures $1.8 Million in Prescription Drug Settlement
Posted by Web Team on May 7, 2012 at 12:13 am
Attorney General Gansler joined a 46-state/territorial settlement against Illinois-based Abbott Laboratories that is the largest multi-state consumer protection-based pharmaceutical settlement ever reached.
Maryland will receive more than $1.8 million in the agreement that stemmed from allegations of illegal marketing of Abbott's drug, Depakote.
The (Baltimore) Sun wrote about the settlement here.
Attorney General Gansler Explains Decision to Challenge Court of Appeals Ruling on DNA Law
Posted by Web Team on May 7, 2012 at 12:03 am
Attorney General Gansler appeared on Newstalk with Bruce DePuyt and the Kojo Nnamdi Show to explain his decision to challenge a Court of Appeals ruling that overturned a state law he championed three years ago that expanded the use of DNA by law enforcement agencies to allow collection samples from suspects of serious crimes upon arrest.
Wash. Post Columnist Contrasts Gansler with Va. Counterpart
Posted by Web Team on May 6, 2012 at 5:32 pm
Washington Post Columnist Robert Barnes takes a closer look at the differing positions of Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler and Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli on several critical social issues that have come before the Supreme Court this term.
Attorney General Gansler has led the effort to affirm the constitutionality of President Obama's health care law and has supported the administration's challenge of Arizona's attempt to usurp the federal government by cracking down on illegal immigrants.
Follow this link to read the entire column: http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/maryland-virginia-and-the-court-that-divides-them/2012/05/06/gIQAJ84O6T_story.html
Baltimore Sun Editorial: One Loophole Down, 24 to Go
Posted by Web Team on May 2, 2012 at 6:45 pm
One loophole down, 24 to go
Our view: Campaign finance reform doesn't go nearly far enough
May 2, 2012
This afternoon, Gov.Martin O'Malleyplans to sign what may be the most significant step toward increasing transparency in Maryland's system of campaign finance in years: a requirement that those who contribute more than $500 to a single candidate during an election cycle list their occupation and employer. That's a good thing; it will give the public a much better idea of who is backing candidates for office and why. However, the fact that this step only brings Maryland up to some semblance of the standard the federal government has employed since the 1970s, and a majority of other states have long held as well, shows just how far the state has to go if voters are to have confidence that the entire campaign finance system isn't just a means for special interests to buy influence.
The occupation/employer requirement, sponsored by Sen. Bill Ferguson and Dels. Jon Cardin and Michael G. Summers, all Democrats, will make it much easier for voters and watchdog groups to discern whether a particular candidate is getting an undue amount of support from a particular business or industry — say, developers, gambling interests or the liquor lobby. It will also enable research into which industries have the most potential sway in Annapolis. That should help voters make more-informed decisions — and could go a long way in explaining why things happen the way they do in the State House.
The measure passed unanimously in the Senate but was opposed by Republicans in the House of Delegates. The objection to the requirement was that it could lead employers to check up on the political activities of their workers, but this is fanciful; since the state already publishes a campaign finance database on the Internet, including the names and addresses of all those who give to candidates in any amount, that possibility already exists.
The idea for this legislation was included in a report on Maryland's campaign finance system commissioned two years ago by Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler. The governor's signature on this bill means that the state has now acted on precisely one of the 25 recommendations it contained. That leaves the biggest loopholes in Maryland campaign finance law untouched.
One is the limited liability corporation loophole. It allows a donor who controls multiple LLCs to make the legal maximum donation ($4,000 per election cycle per candidate, up to $10,000 total) from each individual company. That has been particularly important to developers, who tend to create new LLCs for each project. Legislation to close that loophole has repeatedly failed, and even a letter from Governor O'Malley last year saying he would support such an effort if it were paired with an increase in the state's overall contribution limits didn't help.
Another quirk of state law that politicians have exploited to great effect in recent years is the electoral slate. Candidates can join together in election slates and transfer unlimited amounts of money to each other. Former Baltimore County Executive James T. Smith Jr.raised eyebrows with the practice in 2006, when he substantially bankrolled the campaign of Scott Shellenberger for state's attorney, but more commonly it has been used by leaders in the legislature to cement loyalty and control their chambers. Senate PresidentThomas V. Mike Miller has been particularly successful in his use of slates to help elect those who in turn help elect him to one of the most powerful posts in state government. Members of a slate need not even be running for an office in a given election cycle to participate, a major loophole targeted by the Gansler report.
Among the other recommendations the attorney general backed that have not been acted on is a suggestion that loans to candidates be reported to the state Board of Elections within 24 hours; that might have been important in the 2006 governor's race, when Mr. O'Malley took a half-million-dollar loan from an attorney just before Election Day. The report called for some regulation of exploratory committees, new media expenditures, limits on contributions by out-of-state political action committees, and regulation of independent expenditures.
In a year that began with the Senate's censure of one of its members and included revelations that companies that do business with the state suddenly became big donors to the Democratic Governors Association after Mr. O'Malley became its chairman, the people of Maryland might have hoped for some stronger action on public ethics. But what they got was this legislation and a watered down requirement that elected officials post some ethics forms online. Voters need to demand something better.
Copyright © 2012, The Baltimore Sun
Charm City Lacrosse Program Featured in State Bar Publication
Posted by Web Team on April 29, 2012 at 11:58 pm
Charm City Lacrosse, which Attorney General Gansler founded in 2009 to introduce the sport to underserved city youth, was featured in the Maryland State Bar Association publication. The article explores the Attorney General's interest in starting the program, as well as the attorneys who give their free time to participate.
While the focus is on the game, the free Saturday morning program introduces five- to 11-year-olds to both lacrosse and healthy role models thanks to a special guest speaker each week.
AG Gansler, MedChi Team Up to Ease Health Insurance Complaint Process
Posted by Web Team on April 28, 2012 at 11:28 pm
In a joint effort that would allow doctors to file health insurance complaints on behalf of their patients, Attorney General Gansler joined forces with MedChi to spread the word about how the Attorney General's Health Education and Advocacy Unit can benefit patients when legitimate health insurance claims have been denied.
MedChi developed a new web portal called Insurance Watch that will serve as a single venue for patients and doctors to find forms for filing complaints. It will also allow doctors to notify MedChi about each insurance complaint they file. The state medican society can, in turn, follow up with the HEAU to ensure the proper information is submitted so a complaint can be processed and potentially mediated. The partnership between the Office of the Attorney General and MedChi aims to make doctors aware that it is legal in Maryland to file complaints on their patients' behalf.
AG Gansler’s Audits Show Progress Made on Chesapeake Bay Watershed, But Challenges Remain
Posted by Web Team on April 22, 2012 at 11:09 pm
Continuing his focus on environmental enforcement and the challenges facing Maryland waterways, Attorney General Gansler released his 2011 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Environmental Audit. The fourth in a series of annual reports details the 2011 audits of the Back, Anacostia and Choptank Rivers and the Baltimore Harbor.
Since 2008, the Attorney General and membrs of his staff have traveled across the state to learn about environmental problems at their source and develop strategies in association with civic and environmental leaders that will help restore the health of the watershed. For each audit, Attorney General Gansler meets with local elected officials, environmental leaders, students and citizens who are stakeholders in the Bay. The visits have included boat trips, tours of research centers and area schools to see how environmental health is incorporated into the curriculum.
The outcome of these audits have included, but are not limited to, stricter regulatory steps, enforcement action and significant legislation that aim to benefit the Bay, including a bill passed this year that bans the use of arsenic additives in poultry feed.
Click here to read the full 2011 audit report.
Politico Puts Spotlight on Attorney General Gansler’s Role in Health Care Act Court Case
Posted by Web Team on April 1, 2012 at 11:23 pm
Attorney General Doug Gansler has been featured by one of Washington's most influential political newspapers for his role in defending the constitutionality of the federal Affordable Care Act.
Politico profiled Gansler and California Attorney General Kamala Harris as two ardent supporters of the law. Maryland filed the lead amicus (friend-of-the-court) brief to the U.S. Supreme Court that argues the constitutionality of the law under the Commerce Clause, which allows the federal government to regulate interstate commerce. The articles notes Attorney General Gansler's participation on a legal panel about the case at an American Constitution Society for Law and Policy event with former Clinton administration Solicitor General Walter Dellinger.
Pointing to the Attorney General's political future, the article states that such interactions "strengthens relationships with women’s groups, labor and other constituencies supportive of the legislation — all of which will be helpful in 2014."
AG Gansler: Settlement Funds Will Be Used for Homeowner Relief
Posted by Web Team on March 27, 2012 at 9:41 pm
Following a March 23rd meeting with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan and Maryland housing advocates, Attorney General Doug Gansler said money that Maryland will receive from the National Attorneys' General Mortgage Servicing Settlement will be used for homeowner relief programs.
A Baltimore Sun article examines how Maryland's planned use of its money is in contrast to other states that intend to use their shares to fill budget deficits. Maryland is projected to receive about $957 million as a result of the settlement with the five biggest mortgage servicers -- Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, Citi, Bank of America and Ally/GMAC. The article notes that Donovan praised Gansler for setting up an advisory committee to help decide how the settlement funds could most effectively help those impacted by the foreclosure crisis and those who could be in danger of being foreclosed upon.
Maryland will receive the sixth-largest state payment through the $25 billion settlement. Much of that is set aside for loan modifications that will enable eligible borrowers to have their principal mortgages reduced and allow others to refinance. Certain victims who saw their homes foreclosed will receive payments of between $1,000 and $2,000.
Attorney General Gansler Hosts Community Forum on Internet Privacy
Posted by Web Team on March 20, 2012 at 6:20 am
As part of an ongoing effort to raise awareness about Internet privacy concerns, Attorney General Doug Gansler on March 20 hosted a community forum on internet privacy at Winston Churchill High School.
Attorney General Gansler talked about how parents and students can be more vigilant when using social networking sites like Facebook, who had a representative give a presentation on how people can utilize its privacy and security features. That was followed by a Q-and-A session that allowed attendees to touch on any of the topics discussed and broader Internet privacy issues.
This event, which may spawn others of its kind across Maryland, is part of the attorney general's focus on Internet privacy, which will be his presidential initiative when he becomes president in June of the National Association of Attorneys General. Recent media coverage has focused on the concerns posed by privacy advocates and what AG Gansler and others are doing to address those worries.
Video of the forum, as well as Facebook's multimedia presentation, a list of tips and resources for parents and other information, can be found here. Several media outlets covered the event, including Patch, Bethesda Magazine, the Potomac Almanac and Black and White, the Walt Whitman High School newspaper.
Attorney General Gansler is working with multiple stakeholders to plan similar events in the future.
Attorney General Gansler’s Weighs In On Passage of Marriage Equality Legislation
Posted by Web Team on February 23, 2012 at 7:48 pm
Shortly after the Maryland Senate approved legislation Thursday night allowing same-sex couples to marry, longtime marriage equality supporter Attorney General Doug Gansler released the following statement:
"I want to express my gratitude and congratulations to members of the Maryland Senate who tonight have joined with the House of Delegates in tearing down the barriers to full citizenship for same-sex couples who have been denied the freedom to marry and the protections and responsibilities that so many people take for granted.
You have ushered in a new era of civil rights for the great State of Maryland and extended to thousands of Marylanders and their children the true meaning of those words we all hold dear - 'life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.'
The debate from all sides has been thoughtful, serious and heartfelt. I am sure that if this measure is brought before the people, our State will join the growing number of states who have extended the rights and advanced the opportunities afforded under our Constitution to those Marylanders who seek marriage in a same-sex union."
AG Gansler Challenges Google’s Privacy Policy
Posted by Web Team on February 23, 2012 at 6:00 am
Attorney General Gansler is spearheading an effort of three dozen attorneys general throughout the county who are raising concerns about Google's new privacy policy that is set to take effect March 1 and impact all users of Google products with no opportunity to opt out.
In a letter to Google's chief executive officer, Gansler wrote that the new policy appears to invade consumers' privacy by enabling Google to raid information from one Google product and share it with all other services and products offered in the Google ecosystem, such as Gmail, YouTube and Google+, among many others. This new policy runs the risk of increasing identity theft and fraud, since Google will now be storing far more comprehensive, consolidated personal information profiles, offering a tantalizing target for hackers and privacy thieves.
"I am deeply concerned about Google's effort to push a major privacy change on consumers without giving them the choice to opt in, or at a minimum the opportunity to opt out," said Attorney General Gansler. "After years of touting its commitment to meaningful privacy choices for its users, Google should abide by its claimed privacy principles and let consumers decide whether to say 'No thanks' to a new policy."
Click here to learn more information about Attorney General Gansler's effort to make Google's privacy policy more consumer-friendly. Click here for a copy of the letter sent to Google CEO Larry Page on behalf of the 36 attorneys general who are concerned about this new policy.
Attorney General Gansler Secures Nearly $1B in Relief for Maryland Mortgage Fraud Victims
Posted by Web Team on February 9, 2012 at 8:10 am
Attorney General Gansler, working with 47 other state attorneys general, secured a $25 billion settlement with the country's five biggest mortgage servicers on Thursday that is estimated to bring close to $1 billion to Marylanders in need of mortgage relief. It is the largest joint state-federal settlement in our nation's history and will enable thousands of Marylanders to save their homes. Further, it institutes sweeping reforms of mortgage loan servicing standards to prevent banks from ever again taking advantage of consumers pursuing the American dream of homeownership.
“This agreement will provide direct, imminent, and significant relief at last to thousands of distressed Maryland homeowners," Attorney General Gansler said at news conferences in Prince George's County and Baltimore City, which had the highest rate of foreclosures in the state during the housing crisis. “It is a down payment and a first step toward much-needed lasting reform of the mortgage industry.”
Under the agreement, several hundred million dollars will be allocated to help Maryland homeowners with loans serviced by the five big banks (Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Citi, JP Morgan Chase, and Ally Bank/GMAC) who are behind on or very likely to soon fall behind on their mortgage payments through loan modifications (including interest and principal reductions), forbearance plans and short sales. Millions more dollars will go to individual borrowers who were victims of these banks’ unfair servicing practices and were foreclosed upon during the period covered by the settlement. Another large chunk will go to help with refinancing for underwater homeowners whose loans are owned and serviced by the five big banks. The balance will be used to fund services, like hiring additional housing counselors, that keep Maryland homeowners in their homes.
The settlement also compels the big banks, for the first time, to adopt rigorous mortgage servicing standards that will be enforced by a federal court order. Before the Attorneys General took action, there were no specific servicing standards that these banks had to abide by. The standards they're being compelled to adopt under the agreement is expected to be replicated throughout the mortgage industry.
Importantly, the agreement does not release the big banks from any criminal liability whatsoever. It also does not prevent individuals and government agencies from pursuing these and other banks for misconduct in mortgage securitization, fair lending violations or other fraud.
Attorney General Gansler stressed: "Our office has already brought to justice several rotten apples in the mortgage industry, and we will continue to go after others that prey on Marylanders. This is a continuation, but not the conclusion of our efforts to provide lasting reform and to not let off the hook those who perpetrated these acts during a dark time in our nation's history."
For more information on the settlement, click here to access the Office of the Attorney General's website.
Attorney General Gansler: The Mortgage Servicing Settlement in His Own Words
Posted by Web Team on February 9, 2012 at 8:05 am
Media Coverage of Mortgage Servicing Settlement: Sun Editorial Board Lauds Gansler
Posted by Web Team on February 8, 2012 at 11:59 pm
National and local media are looking favorably upon the State Attorneys General Mortgage Servicing Settlement, including The (Baltimore) Sun, whose editorial board applauded Attorney General Gansler's decision to join. They call it a "good deal for Maryland" that "speeds the day when the foreclosure crisis will be behind us, and that's good for all Maryland homeowners, not just those who fell prey to predatory lending practices."
Please see below for additional news clips about the mortgage servicing settlement:
Maryland Joins Nationwide Mortgage Settlement -- The Baltimore Sun (includes video)
Maryland Joins Pending Multibillion-Dollar Foreclosure Settlement -- The Daily Record (includes video)
Md. to Get Nearly $1B in Foreclosure Aid -- The Frederick News-Post
Md. AG: Area Homeowners Get $1.4B in Mortgage Settlement -- WTOP 103.5FM (includes audio)
Md. to Get $960M in Foreclosure Settlement -- WBAL-TV
Editorial: Multibillion Dollar Mortgage Settlement A Good First Step -- Annapolis Capital
U.S., Banks Agree on Foreclosure Pact -- Wall Street Journal
$26B Mortgage Deal Reached: Who Benefits? -- CBS News (includes video)
States Negotiate $26 Billion Deal for Homeowners -- New York Times
Foreclosure Settlement Questions? Call Hotline -- WBAL-TV
Distressed Homeowners Flood Hotline for Maryland Mortgage Relief -- WMAR-TV
Baltimore Fishbowl Gets Personal with Attorney General Gansler
Posted by Web Team on February 8, 2012 at 7:27 am
Ever wonder what book is on Doug's nightstand, the best advice he's ever received and what makes lacrosse such an appealing sport? Baltimore Fishbowl asked Attorney General Gansler these questions and many more. Check out the full interview here.
Attorney General Gansler Discusses Danger of “Binge-In-A-Can” Beverages
Posted by Web Team on December 29, 2011 at 9:07 am
Attorney General Gansler is interviewed live on Fox-5 in Washington about the steps he and other attorneys general are taking to try to decrease the danger of Four Loko and other similar drinks that have grown increasingly popular among youngsters.
Attorney General Doug Gansler Protecting the Bay: Cracks Down on Oyster Poachers
Posted by Web Team on September 2, 2011 at 7:46 am
Today the Washington Post reported on a new study that says the only way to save the Chesapeake Bay’s oyster population, once the lynchpin of Maryland’s economy and always essential to the health and survival of the Bay, is to halt fishing entirely. It could not be more clear why Attorney General Gansler continues to crack down on oyster poachers.
Attorney General Gansler on NewsChannel8
Posted by Web Team on August 17, 2011 at 9:14 am
Attorney General Gansler on WBAL-TV for Sunday Q & A
Posted by Web Team on August 14, 2011 at 12:44 pm
Safe drinking water, internet privacy, and diversity of the judicial bench all get covered when Lisa Robinson talks with Doug.
Listen Up: Attorney General Gansler on WYPR
Posted by Web Team on August 11, 2011 at 1:43 pm
Protecting Your Online Privacy: LimeWire Users Be Warned
Posted by Web Team on July 7, 2011 at 11:45 am
Attorney General Gansler, Cops and Cal Ripkin Team Up to Mentor Youth
Posted by Web Team on June 6, 2011 at 11:28 am
Attorney General Gansler Recovers Millions from Bank that Attempted to Defraud State & Nonprofits
Posted by Web Team on May 4, 2011 at 4:01 pm
Attorney General Gansler Protects Consumers from Deceptive Concert Ticket Sales
Posted by Web Team on May 2, 2011 at 1:54 pm
Attorney General Doug Gansler's Consumer Protection Division today reached a settlement with Ticketmaster Entertainment, Inc., Ticketsnow.com, Inc. and TNOW Entertainment Group, Inc. requiring Ticketmaster to inform consumers who opt on their website to continue searching for tickets when Tickemaster is sold out that they are being diverted to a resale website where ticket brokers and other resellers offer tickets for sale at inflated prices.
Attorney General Gansler Challenges Natural Gas “Fracking” Operation to Protect Marylanders’ Health
Posted by Web Team on April 29, 2011 at 1:35 pm
On April 29, 2011, Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler notified Chesapeake Energy Corporation and its affiliates of his intent to sue for violating the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and the Clean Water Act (CWA) – just ten days after thousands of gallons of “fracking” fluids were released from a natural gas well owned and operated by Chesapeake Energy into Towanda Creek, a tributary of the Susquehanna River, which supplies 50% of the fresh water in the Chesapeake Bay.
Attorney General Gansler Fights to Prevent Underage and Binge Drinking
Posted by Web Team on April 21, 2011 at 7:24 pm
Attorney General Gansler today asked Pabst Brewing Company to stop producing and selling Blast by Colt 45 – a new flavored malt beverage packaged and marketed as a “binge-in-a-can.” The product, its packaging, and its marketing targets youth, says Gansler, and Pabst should cease its production.
“At a time when we’re fighting to prevent underage and binge drinking, we call upon Pabst to rethink the dangers posed by Blast,” said Attorney General Gansler.
Earlier this month, Pabst introduced Blast by Colt 45 in four fruit flavors -- grape, strawberry lemonade, strawberry watermelon, and blueberry pomegranate -- with an alcohol concentration of 12%. Blast comes in brightly colored 23.5 ounce single serving cans. Each single serving contains the equivalent of nearly five servings of alcohol.
Public health authorities define binge drinking as having five drinks in an hour for men or four drinks in an hour for women. Anyone who consumes a single can of Blast within an hour will have engaged in binge drinking.
In addition to offering Blast in youth-friendly flavors, Pabst has chosen as its celebrity spokesperson hip-hop/rap music artist, Snoop Dogg, who is popular among persons under 21 and whose promotional videos for Blast are accessible to viewers of all ages on social media sites such as YouTube and Twitter.
Attorney General Gansler’s letter to Pabst, signed by 17 other Attorneys General, urges Pabst to immediately and significantly reduce the number of servings of alcohol contained in a “single serving” container. The letter also asks Pabst to ensure that its marketing of Blast does not expressly or implicitly target an audience that is under the legal drinking age.
Pabst is not the only company to produce and sell these alcoholic beverages.
“I hope our letter asking Pabst to take swift and responsible action will also be heeded by other companies who produce these unsafe ‘supersized’ alcopops,” said Gansler.
For more information, click here or view the video below.
Attorney General Gansler Prosecutes Election Law Violator
Posted by Web Team on April 13, 2011 at 9:06 pm
A jury in Prince George’s Circuit Court today found Jerry Mathis guilty of three counts of violating Maryland’s election law. Attorney General Gansler filed the charges against Mr. Mathis alleging Mathis published and distributed illegal campaign flyers to Prince George’s County residents.
Mathis was convicted of production and distribution of campaign material without a proper authority line as a campaign finance entity and as an individual; and production and distribution of campaign material in support of or in opposition to a candidate without the candidate's authorization. The charges are all punishable by a maximum one year in jail and $25,000 fine for each charge.
“This case sends a clear message that violating Maryland’s campaign laws and attempting to mislead voters will be taken seriously by my office,” said Attorney General Gansler.
We will continue to keep you informed about the Attorney General’s efforts to protect our voting rights.
Gansler: Remove Apps that Help Drunk Drivers Avoid Checkpoints
Posted by Web Team on March 28, 2011 at 2:24 pm
Attorney General Gansler has called on Google and Apple to ban smartphone applications that help users avoid drunk-driver checkpoints. These applications, available for download in the Android and iPhone app stores, provide users with the locations of police checkpoints and allow users to report new checkpoints to others.
“These smartphone applications give drunk drivers a ‘how-to’ guide to evade DUI checkpoints and endanger the lives of innocent citizens on our roads,” said Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler. “We strongly urge Google and Apple to take the most responsible and reasonable step and ban these types of applications altogether. These are nothing more than an overt method of circumventing laws that were specifically enacted to save lives.”
In a letter sent to Apple’s Senior Vice President for iPhone Software and the Chief Executive Officer of Google, Attorney General Gansler and his Delaware colleague, Attorney General Beau Biden, call on the companies to take the responsible step of removing these applications. Vehicles driven by drunk drivers, they explain, are deadly weapons and we should be doing everything we can to keep drunk drivers off our roads, not providing them with a road map to avoid checkpoints that are meant to protect our families.
For more information about this effort, check out this news story.
We will continue to keep you updated on this blog on Attorney General Gansler’s efforts on this important issue for our communities throughout the state.
Gansler Secures Record Pharmaceutical Fraud Settlement
Posted by Web Team on March 10, 2011 at 5:28 am
As the nation continues to grapple with the ever-rising cost of healthcare, Attorney General Gansler is fighting the fraud fueling those costs – securing a record $68.5 million from one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies for alleged deceptive marketing and failure to disclose known side effects of the drug Seroquel. To read more about the largest ever multi-state consumer protection pharmaceutical settlement in U.S. history, click here.
Giving to Disaster Relief Efforts, How to Avoid Charity Fraud
Posted by Doug Gansler on January 15, 2011 at 12:33 pm
In the wake of the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan, so many Marylanders have generously contributed to relief efforts. When sending money, please be careful to choose legitimate charities. In the past, many Americans have been scammed when donating to organizations over the internet, by phone, or through door-to-door solicitations.
Here are some tips to consider when making a donation to relief efforts surrounding the recent natural disasters in Japan:
- Be wary of fake sites resembling those of trusted organizations. Bogus charities often use names and logos that closely resemble those of other more well-known organizations.
- Most relief organizations end with “.org” not “.com”. For example, the American Red Cross website is www.redcross.org NOT www.redcross.com.
- Rather than clicking on a link found in an e-mail or on a website, type the name of the organization you wish to donate to in an online search engine.
- Do not open e-mails with attachments or links claiming to show photos or videos because you may download a computer virus.
- In general, do not give out personal information such as a credit card number or bank account number to telephone solicitations.
- Do not make cash donations and never make checks out to individuals, but to the organization.
- Check if the charity (and paid fundraiser, if one is used) is registered with the Maryland Secretary of State (http://www.sos.state.md.us/Charity/SearchCharity.aspx).
- Ask how much of the donation goes toward the charitable work, and how much goes toward administrative costs of the fundraising organization. Be suspicious if the answer is 100 percent, as all organizations have administrative costs.
- Be wary solicitors who demand an immediate payment or solicitors who offer to send a courier to pick up checks before a consumer can change his/her mind.
- You have the right to ask as many questions as necessary to make an informed decision about whether or not to donate. If the charity resists answering questions, you should not donate money.
- Consider visiting relief websites set up by well-known and legitimate charities such as the American Red Cross (www.redcross.org), MercyCorps (www.mercycorps.org/), UNICEF (www.unicefusa.org/), or World Vision (www.worldvision.org/).
For more information regarding charitable giving, you can visit www.oag.state.md.us/consumer/tip42.htm. If you have any questions concerning a charity, you should call the Charitable Organizations Division of the Maryland Secretary of State's office at 1-800-825-4510 or visit www.sos.state.md.us/charity/charityhome.aspx.
Swearing In
Posted by Web Team on January 6, 2011 at 6:44 am
Today, Douglas F. Gansler was sworn in for a second term as Attorney General. Building on the various accomplishments of his first term, Attorney General Gansler looks forward to another term of protecting the people of Maryland and upholding the rule of law.
He was sworn in by newly-reelected Governor Martin O’Malley in a ceremony attended by many state officials and the staff of the Attorney General’s Office. For more photos of the ceremony and other pictures throughout the year, check out "Photos".
Holiday Horse Sense
Posted by Doug Gansler on November 26, 2010 at 2:49 pm
With the holiday shopping season upon us, beware of phony web retailers and unscrupulous people selling counterfeit or pirated goods online. If it's too good to be true it probably is. Counterfeiters and pirates with basic web design skills can set up online storefronts that look as authentic as those operated by legitimate enterprises. Simple coding, and even cutting and pasting, allows them to display on their websites corporate advertisements, government logos, seemingly secured forms of payment, and fraudulent documentation to fake their authenticity.
Here are three tips to avoid becoming a victim of a phony web retailer:
How to identify fake web retailers: Look out for sites with poor quality photos, spelling mistakes and a lack of terms/conditions to sale. Many companies list on their websites or product packaging sites where you can buy their goods. These are sites that are considered authorized online retail stores, and you are guaranteed to purchase a legitimate product. Check those lists before making your online purchase.
How to identify counterfeit products: If you are purchasing items from an auction site, see how many identical products they have available for sale. If they have too many of an expensive designer handbag, the handbags are probably fake. Avoid websites offering unlimited downloads of music or movies, or offering mixed versions of songs. When you receive the product look at the small details. Are the “use by” dates missing or expired? Are the safety seals broken or missing? Did it come with the appropriate warranty information? Is there anything unusual about the packaging?
How to identify secure websites: Shop from online sites that display “https://” rather than “http//” in the address bar. Look for a padlock image at the bottom of the browser. These indicate the website is secure, and has a safe encrypted connection. Sites that do not have secure connections are not storing customer data in a secure manner.
Happy Holidays!
Say No to Alcoholic Energy Drinks
Posted by Web Team on November 19, 2010 at 5:00 pm
Attorney General Gansler Says No to Alcoholic Energy Drinks
Just months after taking office, Attorney General Gansler began a campaign to warn consumers of the dangers of alcoholic energy drinks, to stop manufacturers from marketing these products to youth under the age of 21, and ultimately to get these dangerous products off the shelves. As a direct result of these efforts, the FDA today issued warning letters to manufacturers of alcoholic energy drinks stating that the caffeine in these alcoholic beverages, including the popular brands Four Loko and Joose, are “unsafe food additives.” The FDA’s warning letters require that the manufacturers take prompt action to correct their violations of federal law, and state that failure to do so may result in enforcement action.
“I am pleased that the FDA has taken the first step in what will ultimately lead to these dangerous products being removed from store shelves once and for all,” said Attorney General Gansler. “Today’s action by the FDA confirms what we have been telling the alcohol industry since the beginning of 2007. These beverages are dangerous. AEDs attract young people who wrongly believe that the caffeine will offset the intoxicating effects of the alcohol. In fact, the caffeine in these products only mask, not offset, alcohol intoxication. I applaud the FDA’s issuance of warning letters rejecting the manufacturers’ unfounded claims that these products are safe.”
AEDs are alcoholic beverages to which caffeine and other stimulants, such as guarana, have been added at the point of manufacture. Packaged in 23.5 ounce cans resembling energy drinks with fruit flavors like fruit punch, lemonade and watermelon, some AEDs like Four Loko contain the alcohol equivalent of five or six beers and the caffeine equivalent of four to five colas or one to two cups of coffee in just one can.
To read more about Attorney General Gansler’s campaign to get these dangerous beverages off the shelves go to http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/111710.html
Campaign Finance Reform
Posted by Web Team on November 8, 2010 at 3:43 pm
Attorney General Gansler Convenes Committee on Campaign Finance
Attorney General Gansler today announced the creation of an Advisory Committee on Campaign Finance. The Committee, an informal bipartisan group, consisting of key legislators, counsel for the two major political parties in Maryland, representatives of the State Board of Elections, and deputy attorneys general will take a thorough look at a variety of issues concerning Maryland's campaign finance regulations and laws to examine whether change is needed. The members of the Committee will seek public input as the group studies a variety of issues concerning Maryland's campaign finance regulations and laws, and submit a report of its findings and recommendations to Attorney General Gansler by the end of the year.
The Advisory Committee has identified the following issues for study and possible modification:
• Clarification of the definition and operation of slates;
• Disclosure requirements, including identification of entities subject to disclosure requirements, frequency of disclosure and triggering events, in light of the Citizens United decision;
• Revision of aggregate contribution limits;
• Permissibility and regulation of contributions made through electronic means;
• Regulation of use of new media in campaigns;
• Exploratory committees and the timing of candidacies;
• Treatment of party administrative expenses;
• Role of limited liability companies in campaign finance;
• Distinguishing permissible uses of campaign funds from prohibited uses;
• Administrative issues faced by campaign treasurers related to holding, investing, disbursing, and accounting for campaign funds, and;
• Loans to campaigns by candidates and third parties.
The Advisory Committee welcomes public comment and suggestions concerning these issues. Please send any comments to the Office of the Attorney General, 200 St. Paul Place, Baltimore MD 21202 or by e-mail to rbelt@oag.state.md.us.
THANK YOU!
Posted by Doug Gansler on November 3, 2010 at 9:09 am
THANK YOU!
Yesterday, as a direct result of your time, energy, and incredible support, as well as the hard work of all those in the Attorney General's office, Marylanders voted to give me a second term as your Attorney General. In casting their ballots, Marylanders issued a powerful statement, delivering us the most votes of any popularly elected candidate in Maryland history in a non-Presidential year. Those votes were not for rhetoric or ideology, but for getting the job done, whether it be combating gangs, shutting down foreclosure scams, or cleaning up the Bay. Those votes were about real work to create a better future for our State. With those votes I renew my pledge to work hard every day to justify your confidence in me and my team at the Attorney General's office. We could not have done this without you, your friends, and your family. I want to offer my most sincere thanks for your support, your efforts, and all you have done to keep Maryland moving forward.
TODAY IS ELECTION DAY! VOTE!
Posted by Web Team on November 2, 2010 at 7:00 am
Today is Election Day. Get Out & Vote.
Doug and all our Democratic candidates have campaigned throughout Maryland, knocking on doors, listening to voters, because they know how much this election matters. A lot rides on your vote. Make your voice heard. Get out and vote.
Not sure where your polling place is? Click here.
Helping Marylanders Hold Onto Their Homes
Posted by Web Team on October 13, 2010 at 8:17 am
Attorney General Gansler Helping Marylanders Hold Onto Their Homes
Attorney General Gansler today announced that he and 48 other state Attorneys General and financial regulatory agencies in 30 states, including the Maryland Commissioner of Financial Regulation, will review improper foreclosure practices, including the “robo-signing” of affidavits and other required documents.
“Over the last few weeks, serious concerns have been raised over the issue of robo-signing, potentially affecting thousands of consumers,” said Attorney General Gansler. “It is imperative that these large companies slow down, fully and openly examine their practices, and admit where the process is failing. Working together as a group and with one voice, we can help ensure that homeowners facing foreclosure are treated fairly and according to the law.”
The initiative comes in response to the recent discovery that a number of large mortgage-loan servicers have submitted defective affidavits and notices required in the foreclosure, including affidavits and notices signed by persons who did not have personal knowledge of the facts asserted in the documents.
Earlier in the month, Attorney General Gansler, Governor O’Malley and Congressman Elijah Cummings asked several national bank servicers to halt foreclosure proceedings in Maryland while they examined their practices in this State.
“In Maryland, we have consistently been on the side of Maryland families who are facing the loss of their homes,” Governor Martin O’Malley said.
The task force will examine the practices of the largest servicers nationwide on a coordinated basis, and enable the states to speak with a unified voice to the maximum extent possible.
The Attorney General is the chief legal officer of the State. The Attorney General’s Office has general charge, supervision and direction of the legal business of the State. Attorney General Gansler and his Consumer Protection Division have taken action against dozens of operators of foreclosure rescue schemes seeking to exploit individuals facing foreclosure.
Ensuring Credit Card Companies Play Fair
Posted by Web Team on October 4, 2010 at 7:59 am
Attorney General Gansler Sues Major Credit Card Companies for Preventing Merchant Discounts and Incentives
Attorney General Gansler, the United States Department of Justice and six other states filed an antitrust lawsuit against American Express, Visa and MasterCard challenging the card network's rules that prevent merchants from offering discounts or other incentives to consumers if they use lower-cost cards for payment of goods and services.
“The card network's rules make it impossible for merchants to negotiate lower rates, and they drive up consumer prices,” said Attorney General Gansler.
Merchants who accept credit cards must pay a fee each time a consumer makes a purchase with a credit card, and different types of cards carry different fees. Merchants pass the costs of credit card transactions onto consumers by way of higher retail prices. The card networks’ rules prohibit merchants from offering consumers incentives to use a lower-cost card, causing merchants’ costs of doing business and consumer prices to rise.
At the same time, Maryland, the Department of Justice and the other states filed a proposed settlement with Visa and MasterCard that would require the two companies to allow merchants to offer discounts, incentives and information to consumers to encourage use of less costly cards. A merchant who accepts only Visa and MasterCard may take advantage of the relief immediately.
“With this settlement and litigation, consumers will see a wider range of competitive prices for goods and services,” said Attorney General Gansler.
Connecticut, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Texas also joined the lawsuit.
Gansler Protects Voters’ Rights
Posted by Web Team on September 8, 2010 at 5:39 am
In response to evidence of the distribution of an intentionally misleading and illegal campaign sample ballot in Prince George's County during early voting, Attorney General Doug Gansler has secured a restraining order to halt the distribution of the brochure.
Gansler has pledged to act swiftly to protect voters' rights in Maryland. "Elections in Maryland must be conducted in an above board, transparent, and fair manner. Instances of voter fraud create cynicism among voters and lead to suppression in voter turnout. Attempts to mislead and deceive voters will be acted upon swiftly by my office," said Gansler.
A Prince George's County Circuit Court Judge issued the temporary restraining order, finding there was sufficient evidence of violations of State election law and immediate and irreparable harm would result if such violations continued. The Judge also ordered the Prince George's County Sheriff to enforce the restraining order, investigate this matter, and cooperate with the Attorney General and other law enforcement agencies.
Gansler said whoever created the brochure committed a misdemeanor crime and his office will be investigating. VIEW NEWS COVERAGE.
Protecting Consumers: Phony Phone Cards
Posted by Web Team on August 11, 2010 at 5:33 pm
Op-Ed: Upholding Equality
Posted by Web Team on August 5, 2010 at 1:56 pm
Click here to read what the Baltimore Sun had to say about Attorney General Gansler's Advisory Opinion regarding the recognition of valid, out of state, same sex marriages.
Photo: Team Gansler Enjoys a Maryland Tradition
Posted by Web Team on July 30, 2010 at 3:22 pm
Thank you Team Gansler for participating in what some call the political event of the summer. Hope you enjoyed a few crabs!
Photo: Team Gansler on the Fourth of July!
Posted by Web Team on July 27, 2010 at 9:25 am
Team Gansler was out in force at parades around Maryland on the Fourth. Thank you, team for your incredible support!
Video: Gansler Discusses the Dangers of Drugged Driving
Posted by Web Team on July 21, 2010 at 8:57 am
Earlier this month, Attorney General Gansler recorded a public service announcement with Gil Kerlikowske, the White House Drug Policy Director, about the dangers of drugged driving. In the video, Gansler said: "When you are out there on the streets and the cars are coming by the other way, it's possible that one of out of every 10 of the high school kids driving the other way is under the influence of marijuana," he said.
Read more about Attorney General Gansler's commitment to public safety. To watch the video and to learn more about the dangers of drugged driving go to the White House Drug Policy website.
Gansler Seeks Input from Community on How to Improve the Environment
Posted by Web Team on July 21, 2010 at 8:52 am
Last week, Attorney General Gansler held a discussion with various interest groups and community organizations about how to improve the Patuxent River. Gansler, who considers the environment his highest priority as Maryland’s Attorney General, has held similar discussions throughout his first term.
Senator Fowler recently said, "[Gansler] is interested, he's really connected with the Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay and I do not think he will be a silent supporter," Fowler said. "I think he will be very active."
Read more about Attorney General Gansler’s commitment to the environment and his efforts to engage the community.
Maryland Attorney General Gansler is Running for Re-Election
Posted by Web Team on June 17, 2010 at 11:37 am
Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler is running for re-election to a second term as the state’s chief legal officer.
“Over the past four years, with the assistance of a superb and dedicated team, we have stood up for the people of Maryland, taking on predatory lenders, Medicaid cheats, internet predators, and polluters who poison the Chesapeake Bay. I am filing for re-election to continue our work in protecting our communities, our economy, and our environment,” Gansler said.
Gansler has accomplished a great deal in his first term as Attorney General. He has embarked on a river-by-river environmental audit of the Chesapeake Bay, identifying problems at their source and developing solutions to improve the health of the Bay. He has also laid the groundwork for the construction of a power plant to convert more than 500 million pounds of chicken manure into energy. Attorney General Gansler established the first Gang Prosecution Unit in the Office of Attorney General, created C.L.I.C.K.S. - a statewide Internet safety initiative focused on school-aged children - and joined other attorneys general in targeting sexual predators prowling social networking websites. He has also continued to protect Marylanders from fraud and deception, helped to ensure the honesty and integrity of the marketplace, and provided millions of dollars in monetary relief to Maryland consumers who were victims of illegal practices.
Test
Posted by Web Team on December 31, 1969 at 6:32 pm
Meet Doug Gansler
Since taking office, Doug Gansler has distinguished himself by prosecuting polluters of the Chesapeake Bay, protecting consumers from corporate and insurance fraud, safeguarding the public from gangs, and attacking the underbelly of the Internet. More
