Campaign Blog

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.

Attorneys General: Changes to Controversial Drink Four Loko Not Good Enough: MyFoxDC.com

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 Doug Gansler joins Bruce Depuyt for NewsTalk on NewsChannel 8:

“Binge-in-a-can,” same-sex marriage, financial fraud, the crackdown on polluters, his political future and more…

Attorney General Gansler on WBAL-TV for Sunday Q & A

Posted by Web Team on August 14, 2011 at 12:44 pm

TO WATCH

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

TO LISTEN

Attorney General Gansler discusses the issues on WYPR’s Midday with Dan Rodricks:

60 minutes on same-sex marriage in Maryland, a recent $500,000 penalty ordered against a Cambridge, Maryland country club for dumping raw sewage into the Choptank River, and a landowner education campaign on natural gas drilling contracts in western Maryland and much more…

Protecting Your Online Privacy: LimeWire Users Be Warned

Posted by Web Team on July 7, 2011 at 11:45 am

Responding to Attorney General Doug Gansler’s investigation into the inadvertent sharing of private information by consumers utilizing LimeWire, the popular peer-to-peer file-sharing software widely used to share music and other media files via the Internet, the company has agreed to provide notice to Maryland consumers regarding the risk to private and sensitive information posed by the use of this service.

“I'm pleased this investigation has produced greater protections for Maryland consumers against a vulnerable point of entry into their home computers,” said Attorney General Gansler. “When opening your computer to online sharing, you should be as careful as when you're opening your home to strangers.”

The Division alleged that several versions of LimeWire contained features that left consumers vulnerable to the inadvertent sharing of private information on their home computers. The software potentially compromised consumers' Social Security numbers, tax records, health records, or private family documents and media files (family videos, etc.). The Division further alleged that the makers of LimeWire failed to adequately warn consumers about these privacy risks.

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, Maryland law enforcement officials, and the Cal Ripkin, Sr. Foundation have teamed up for a youth-mentoring program called "Badges for Baseball" that connects kids with cops who play sports with them and serve as mentors.

The Maryland Attorney General's Office is coordinating the program in nine jurisdictions throughout the State.

"Badges for Baseball not only teaches kids the basic skills of the game, but also helps them learn critical life lessons in leadership, good sportsmanship, and integrity, while developing positive relationships with law enforcement officers in their own communities," said Attorney General Gansler. Read related article.

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 Doug Gansler today secured a $90.8 million agreement with Union Bank of Switzerland, UBS, for its involvement in a nationwide scheme to rig bids and defraud state agencies, county governments and non-profits in their purchase of municipal bond derivatives.

“Taxpayer money was invested in these rigged or tainted municipal contracts. Taxpayers should get the true value of their dollar,” said Attorney General Gansler. “As a result of this settlement, Maryland and our non-profit entities will finally receive compensation for this illegal conduct.”

Today’s settlement results from an ongoing investigation by Maryland and a multistate group that is focused on individuals at UBS, other major financial institutions and certain brokers in connection with the marketing and sale of municipal derivative investments. Government bond issuers make use of these derivatives to reinvest the proceeds of tax-exempt bond offerings until the funds are needed.

The $90.8 million settlement is part of a larger settlement UBS is entering into simultaneously with the United States Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Internal Revenue Service. The amount includes $70.8 million paid to a state settlement fund and $20 million paid directly to certain government entities and non-profits in resolution of the SEC’s claim. Eligible Maryland entities will receive a total of approximately $1 million under the settlement.

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.

“Ticketmaster misled consumers when it offered tickets without informing them that they were being sold by brokers at inflated prices, and then, even at the inflated prices, it failed to provide the purchased tickets,” said Attorney General Gansler. “Under this settlement, Ticketmaster must be more transparent when it steers consumers to its resale website so that consumers understand what they are purchasing.”

The Division alleged the companies misled consumers who could not find tickets on the Ticketmaster website into entering its TicketsNow resale site and, in 2009, sold Bruce Springsteen Verizon Center concert tickets on its TicketsNow resale site that it did not have and could not provide.

As a result, the settlement also requires the Ticketmaster companies to clearly describe the tickets that are being offered for resale, including, where applicable, that the tickets are not in hand, but rather, are being offered by a reseller who is speculating that it will be able to provide the tickets. Speculative tickets must now be displayed differently on the TicketsNow website so that consumers can easily distinguish them from actual tickets.

The settlement also requires the Ticketmaster companies to cease using deceptive guarantees, including a statement that tickets are “guaranteed” or “100% guaranteed,” unless Ticketmaster will guarantee to deliver the tickets.

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.

“Companies cannot expose citizens to dangerous chemicals that pose serious health risks to the environment and to public health,” said Attorney General Gansler. “We are using all resources available to hold Chesapeake Energy accountable for its actions.”

Hydrofracturing or “fracking” is a process by which drilling companies force natural gas to the surface by fracturing shale deposits deep beneath the ground using a mixture of chemicals some of which are toxic or carcinogenic.

The precise mixture of fracking fluids used in the Marcellus Shale deposits in Pennsylvania is not known. A recent Congressional study found that they may contain up to 750 chemicals and other components, including several extremely toxic compounds. High levels of these contaminants remain in the fracking fluid that returns to the surface as wastewater after a well has been hydrofracked. This wastewater, referred to as “flowback water,” is then contained at the well site, either to be recycled or hauled away for disposal. Flowback water also contains high levels of radioactive materials.

The New York Times has reported that both industry and EPA confidential studies indicate that these materials “cannot be fully diluted in rivers and other waterways.” Radioactivity levels in Pennsylvania fracking wastewater have sometimes been thousands of times above the maximum allowed by the federal standard for drinking water.

In his letter, Attorney General Gansler notified the company that at the close of the required 90-day notice period, the State intends to file a citizen suit and seek injunctive relief and civil penalties under RCRA for solid or hazardous waste contamination of soils and ground waters, and the surface waters and sediments of Towanda Creek and the Susquehanna River. The State also intends to seek injunctive relief and civil penalties under the CWA for violation of the CWA's prohibition on unpermitted pollution to waters of the United States.

The Susquehanna River supplies drinking water for approximately 6.2 million people and sensitive fish populations like the American shad and striped bass are moving into the Susquehanna flats at this time of year. Exposure to toxic and carcinogenic chemicals in unknown quantities creates a risk of imminent and substantial endangerment to humans using Pennsylvania and Maryland waterways for recreation and to the environment.

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.

Md. Attorney General Doug Gansler Wants Blast by Colt 45 Alcoholic Drink Taken Off Market: MyFoxDC.com

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

Telmex USA Accused of Failing to Deliver Promised Calling Minutes

Attorney General Gansler has entered into a settlement with Telmex USA, a subsidiary of the primary telecommunications carrier for Mexico that sells telephone calling cards for users to make international calls to more than 100 different cities outside of the United States. The settlement comes in the wake of allegations that many of the cards sold by Telmex actually delivered substantially fewer minutes than promised in Telmex’s advertisements.

“Consumers have a right to receive what they are promised,” said Attorney General Gansler. “Through today’s settlement, Telmex USA and all of its distributors must reform their practices and deliver the calling minutes that they promise to consumers.”

Telmex sells its prepaid calling cards to a network of distributors that sell the calling cards to convenience stores, grocery markets and check cashing stores. In Maryland, Telmex sold its cards, through its distributors and their retailers, largely to Latino consumers residing in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties who have relatives living outside the United States.

Telmex’s posters and point-of-sale advertisements promised that the cards would deliver a large number of calling minutes to specified countries. For example, one poster promised that its $5.00 “Sonrisa” brand prepaid calling card would deliver 1250 calling minutes to Mexico City, Guadalajara or Monterrey. Telmex sold its prepaid calling cards under a number of different brand names including “TXT2 Communications,” “Tier One,” “Oro Honduras,” “Lunatico,” “La Nativa,” La Deportiva,” “La Pantera,” “Sonrisa,” “La Botantita DMV,” “Che Cala” and “El Aventurero.” Telmex denied that it had violated the Consumer Protection Act.

Under the terms of the settlement, Telmex has agreed not to sell any prepaid calling cards to Maryland consumers unless the purchaser can obtain all of the number of minutes that are advertised. The settlement also contains injunctive relief, including a requirement that Telmex more clearly disclose any fees that will be applied to its cards when they are used. Telmex also agreed that it will require its distributors to comply with the terms of the settlement.

Telmex agreed to pay $60,000 in restitution, which the Attorney General will use to fund a state agency or charitable program to benefit persons who may have been affected by the actions that led to the Attorney General’s settlement with Telmex. Telmex also has agreed to pay a $90,000 civil penalty and $45,000 for costs

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!

Doug Gansler for Attorney General team

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. 

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Posted by Web Team on December 31, 1969 at 6:32 pm

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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