Scam Alerts

CONSUMER ALERT: ATTORNEY GENERAL HERRING WARNS OF TOBACCO SETTLEMENT SCAM TARGETING VIRGINIA CONSUMERS

 

RICHMOND (July 27, 2017) - Attorney General Mark Herring is warning Virginia consumers of a tobacco settlement scam that is actually just a marketing pitch to persuade readers to purchase a subscription for investment advice.

 

"My office is getting dozens of calls from Virginia consumers asking how they can collect from a tobacco settlement, but they can't," said Attorney General Herring. "This is nothing more than a scam hoping to rope consumers into paying for newsletter subscriptions, and I caution all Virginians to pay close attention to what they're signing up for, and contact my office if you have any questions."

 

The advertisements refer to the Master Settlement Agreement, a 1998 settlement between the nation's four largest tobacco companies and attorneys general from 46 states and territories, including Virginia. Under the Master Settlement Agreement, Virginia receives money each year from tobacco sales and puts it towards permissible uses such as health care, discouraging youth from using tobacco, and efforts to reduce childhood obesity and substance abuse. None of this money is paid directly to individuals, and no one is eligible to directly receive Master Settlement funds.

 

At the end of the scam advertisements, consumers are urged to buy a subscription to learn more about how to receive these funds that don't exist.  However, what they get is a monthly newsletter with information on how to invest in state or local bonds backed by settlement payments.  Once consumers sign up, they are charged approximately $5 for the first month and $100 for an annual subscription. The consumer may also find it difficult to cancel the annual subscription once their credit card information is provided. 

 

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Heath in our Tobacco Enforcement Unit.  He can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

 

If you feel you have been a victim, please contact Attorney General Herring's Consumer Protection Section, which accepts consumer complaints regarding a variety of issues and helps educate Virginians about scams.  You may contact our office to get information or to file a complaint. Visit our website: www.ag.virginia.gov or call 1-800-552-9963 in Virginia or (804) 786-2042 if calling from the Richmond area.