News/Events

LITTLE ROCK – While Arkansas did not see the type of damage and flooding that our neighbors in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Texas have seen in recent weeks that does not mean products from those states will not end up here – especially vehicles.

Arkansans who are considering a new or used vehicle have been contacting the Attorney General’s office to find out how to spot a flood-damaged car or truck and what is required of the dealer or seller.

Consumers should review a vehicle’s title for any flood damage reports. Arkansas law requires dealerships to place a separate disclosure in the window of cars for sale that have previously been submerged, but consumers should be careful if purchasing a vehicle through a private sale. Although the private seller is required by Arkansas law to notify the buyer of any flood damage, a posted disclosure is not mandatory for this type of transaction.

“Many dealers follow Arkansas law and provide the proper documentation when selling water damaged vehicles,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “But it is common following severe weather in our state and in nearby states for unscrupulous sellers to try and take advantage of consumers by selling damaged vehicles without proper disclosure.”

Attorney General Rutledge released the following tips for consumers shopping around for a new or used vehicle:

LITTLE ROCK – Scammers are manipulating big-hearted Arkansans with the “favorite grandson” scam once again. This scam is particularly targeted at the elderly, which cons good people out of their money.

These criminals prey on older Arkansans by calling and impersonating a favorite grandchild or close relative. The scammers play on emotions and can be extremely convincing. They claim to be in serious trouble or injured and need money wired to them immediately, often to a location outside of the United States. Unfortunately, wire transfers are similar to cash, meaning that if the victim is tricked and does send the money, there is often no way to get the money back.

“These thieves are taking advantage of good people who love their families,” said Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “Grandparents should know that when they receive a call from someone claiming to be a grandchild in desperate need of quick cash they should do as President Ronald Reagan suggested and that is 'trust but verify' and in this instance, verify with another family member before sending money.”

Attorney General Rutledge offered the following tips to avoid falling victim to the “favorite grandson” scam:

• Resist pressure to act quickly.
• Never give or wire money based on any unsolicited phone call.
• Verify your family member’s location by directly calling another family member or the grandchild.
• Do not send money to an unknown account or entity.
• Ask the caller for his or her name, and if they cannot provide it, hang up immediately.
• Have a plan in place when family members are traveling so that you can easily identify whether or not a need is genuine.
• Contact the Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 if you have been a victim of this scam.

The Attorney General’s office reports elderly Arkansans losing thousands of dollars after falling for this scam. According to the FTC over 400,000 imposter scams were reported last year. It is important to inform others and stay alert.

LITTLE ROCK – Arkansans have seen the horrible photos and videos showing the devastation from Hurricane Harvey to our neighbors and friends in Houston and across south east Texas and want to help. But giver beware. Many times following natural disasters, the Attorney General’s office receives reports of unscrupulous “charities” targeting Arkansans knowing that we will offer help to those in need.

These con artists will tug at the heartstrings of giving people in hopes money will be turned over in support of whatever cause the criminals are using. The scammers provide as little information as possible about their “organization,” while still trying to convince potential donors about the legitimacy of the “charity” that will help those who have been impacted by Hurricane Harvey.

“Many of these fake organizations will pick a name and logo that is similar to an existing, legitimate organization that is helping those in need in Texas,” said Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “Arkansans must stay diligent, do their research on charities and know how their money will be used.”

Attorney General Rutledge released the following tips to help consumers give to only legitimate charities:

LITTLE ROCK – According to the Arkansas State Police, on all public roads during 2014 there were 60,947 total crashes reported. After a car accident, drivers may not be thinking clearly and may not know what to do next.

“The first and most important tip is to stay calm,” said Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “Vehicle accidents are unfortunately a common occurrence, but most Arkansans are unaware of the steps to take and their rights in the moments after the wreck.”

Attorney General Rutledge released these tips on what to do after a vehicle accident:

• Stay calm; you need to be in control of the situation.
• Call an ambulance if anyone is injured.
• Be aware of and warn oncoming traffic of the situation by turning on hazard warning lights. If the accident is a simple fender bender, then it is smart to move out of traffic. Although, if the accident is more severe, do not move the vehicles.
• If there is significant property damage, injury or death, call the police to file an official police report.
• Immediately write down or take a photo of the involved vehicles’ license plate numbers.
• Exchange information such as name, address, contact details, driver license number and auto insurance information for the motorists involved.
• Obtain statements and contact information from any willing witnesses.
• Take photos of all vehicle damage, all physical injuries and any evidence that shows road and/or weather conditions.
• Do not admit fault for an auto accident. Fault will be determined upon further investigation.
• Contact your insurance company and file your car insurance claim.
• If the police officer requires a phone number, then consider listing a number other than a mobile number in order to avoid unwanted telephone and text solicitations following your accident.