Commerce News & Announcements

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Kole Glen Brimhall, 27, of Orem, Utah, was sentenced today to 12 months’ and one day imprisonment after he defrauded approximately 135 investors through the sale of a fraudulent investment offered through Alpha Influence, LLC, a registered Utah company. Brimhall was also sentenced to three years’ supervised release, and ordered to pay a forfeiture money...

Salt Lake City, UT—The Utah Department of Commerce’s Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy (OAIP) has released a guidance letter based on findings from a comprehensive study examining the integration of artificial intelligence technologies by mental health therapists. This pioneering research, conducted in partnership with the Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), highlights essential guidelines that support therapists in leveraging AI while prioritizing patient welfare, data privacy, and ethical...

Salt Lake City, UT—Today, the Public Service Commission issued an order that approved a general rate increase for Rocky Mountain Power (RMP) of $87.2 million, which marks a significant reduction of $243 million from the utility’s final request. RMP sought $330.2 million, a decrease from its original ask of $667 million. The advocacy of Utah Department of Commerce’s Division of...

Utah consumers have the right to request companies delete their genetic data  The Utah Department of Commerce’s Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) and Office of the Utah Attorney General (OAG) are issuing a consumer alert regarding the recent bankruptcy filing by 23andMe, a direct-to-consumer genetic testing company.  Utah residents should be aware of their rights and the protections afforded to...

$3M of investor funds allegedly used on real estate, a personal chef, Chevrolet Corvette & more SALT LAKE CITY, Utah –A Belgium national and the owner of K & K Strategies is facing federal charges after he allegedly operated a $5 million Ponzi scheme.  The Utah investment owner, who was not licensed to sell securities, allegedly defrauded approximately 75 investors,...

National Consumer Protection Week is the perfect time to remind ourselves about the importance of staying safe from scams. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using technology like deceptive text messages to trick unsuspecting individuals. A recent example includes text messages about owing tolls. It’s crucial to be vigilant and informed. Visit Scams.Utah.gov for information on how to protect yourself from...

This National Consumer Protection Week (and every week), the Utah Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) is committed to safeguarding consumers from fraudulent activities. We offer resources and outreach programs designed to empower individuals to identify scams and make informed decisions. Our dedicated team is here to empower YOU with the tools to recognize scams and make informed decisions.  As part...

The suit highlights allegations of sexual exploitation via the TikTok Live feature as Utah intensifies its efforts to protect minors from harmful practices. SALT LAKE CITY—In a significant legal victory for the state of Utah, Third District Court Judge Coral Sanchez has denied TikTok’s motion to dismiss the state’s lawsuit filed in June 2024. This marks the advancement of Utah’s...

Alpha investment scheme defrauded more than 500 victims in Utah and elsewhere SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A Utah businessman pleaded guilty today to securities fraud and money laundering after admitting he lied to investors and fraudulently sold investment contracts, which are securities, through his company Alpha Influence, LLC for “Alpha Automated Stores.” Jeremiah Joseph Evans “The Bull,” 29, of...