March 8, 2021 Austin – Attorney General Ken Paxton today announced that Texas, along with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), 38 states, and the District of Columbia, stopped a massive telefunding operation by Associated Community Services (ACS) and a number of related defendants that bombarded over 67 million Americans with 1.3 billion deceptive calls falsely purporting to raise money for charity. Using deceptive solicitations, the fraudsters were able to collect more than $110 million.
February 26, 2021 - Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and his Consumer Protection Division is warning Texans to be aware of energy price hikes and offers tips to protect yourself from excessive and potentially unlawful charges after the recent winter weather storm:
February 25, 2021 - Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), with the assistance of the Texas Military Department, launched a call center to assist Texans, who have limited or no internet access, with completing the State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT). Texans can call 844-844-3089 between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM seven days a week to submit their disaster damage information. This call center is specifically for Texans who are unable to submit information through the online iSTAT tool.
February 5, 2021 – Attorney General Ken Paxton on Thursday announced that Texas reached a $38.4 million settlement with McKinsey, one of the world’s largest consulting companies. McKinsey provided consulting services to opioid companies, including selling deceptive marketing plans, programs, and advisement to OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma for more than 15 years. Today’s agreement between 47 states, the District of Columbia, five U.S. territories and McKinsey resulted in a total settlement of $573 million.
November 19, 2020 – Attorney General Ken Paxton joined a coalition of over 30 other attorneys general in a $113 million settlement with Apple, Inc. regarding Apple’s 2016 decision to throttle customers’ iPhone speeds in order to address unexpected shutdowns in some iPhones. After a multistate investigation, during which Texas served on an executive committee with Arizona, Arkansas, Indiana, Missouri, Louisiana, Ohio, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia, the attorneys general allege that Apple discovered battery issues led to unexpected shutdowns in iPhones.
September 9, 2020 – Attorney General Ken Paxton today warned Texans about scammers sending text messages that include a false package delivery notice and a fraudulent link. The text messages in question usually claim that a package is pending delivery and requests the recipient to “claim ownership” by providing their credit card and personal information.
Any Texan who receives a suspicious text message should take the following steps:
July 28, 2020 - Attorney General Ken Paxton today issued guidance on the opening of local schools for the upcoming school year, during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, responding to a request from Stephenville Mayor Doug Svien. While playing an important role in protecting the health of school children and employees, local health authorities may not issue sweeping orders closing schools for the sole purpose of preventing future COVID-19 infections. Rather, their role is limited by statute to addressing specific, actual outbreaks of disease.
July 28, 2020 – Attorney General Ken Paxton, in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Northern, Southern, Western, and Eastern Districts of Texas, today informed the public about several fraudulent schemes involving masks, personal protection equipment (PPE), and other COVID-19 related equipment. They urge everyone to exercise increased due diligence and caution when dealing with new suppliers or vendors, especially when using a third-party broker.
May 29, 2020 - Attorney General Ken Paxton today announced a coordinated bipartisan agreement with county leaders from around the state regarding the way Texas will direct future settlement money to people most impacted from the opioid epidemic. Texas is one of the lead states currently negotiating financial settlements with the nation’s largest companies in the opioid supply chain.
May 12, 2020 – Attorney General Ken Paxton today warned Texans that scammers have been spotted posing as state agencies to solicit money from hardworking consumers. There are variations of this scam, such as local law enforcement contacting you with a warrant, agencies asking for donations, back taxes or fines, or asking for your personal information to either confirm innocence or receive a payment. Government agencies do not email or call individuals with financial solicitations.