Commerce News & Announcements

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Featured image for “NEWS RELEASE: Utah Secures $42.5 Million Landmark Victory in Real Estate Investment Fraud Case”

NEWS RELEASE: Utah Secures $42.5 Million Landmark Victory in Real Estate Investment Fraud Case

September 4, 2024
Judge Orders Defendants to Pay $42.5 Million in Restitution, Fines, and Penalties in Case Brought by Utah Department of Commerce’s Division of Consumer Protection Against Real Estate Workshop SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Division of Consumer Protection (Division), through the Utah Attorney General’s Office, won a landmark case yesterday against Real Estate Workshop (REW) and its principals Troy Stevens,...
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Executive Director’s Message: August 2024

August 28, 2024
Happy August, At Commerce, our mission of Strengthening Trust in Utah’s Commercial Activities is defined by our dedication to serving Utah with excellence. Enhancing customer service is at the heart of what we do. That is why we’re working with every division to improve the user experience. You may have already noticed some web updates, including how you log into...
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Buyer Beware: Deceptive Tactics Auto Dealers May Use

August 27, 2024
Buying a vehicle is a major investment and can be a complex process. Be cautious and informed to ensure a fair, transparent purchase and avoid deceptive practices from some auto dealers. Beware of the Following Tactics: You deserve clear pricing, accurate information, and transparency when purchasing a vehicle. Don’t be swayed by dishonest tactics or high-pressure sales pitches. If you...
Featured image for “NEWS RELEASE: Consumers Defrauded by Zurixx Real Estate Investment Scheme to Receive $12 Million in Refunds”

NEWS RELEASE: Consumers Defrauded by Zurixx Real Estate Investment Scheme to Receive $12 Million in Refunds

July 31, 2024
The Utah Department of Commerce’s Division of Consumer Protection, represented by the Utah Attorney General’s Office, and the Federal Trade Commission secure funds in settlement. This week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is mailing checks to consumers harmed in the Zurixx, LLC (Zurixx) real estate investment coaching scheme. These payments are the result of the $12 million settlement between the...
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NEWS RELEASE: Smartphone Fraudster Sentenced to 29 Months’ Imprisonment After Cheating Investors Out of $10M

July 15, 2024
Salt Lake City, Utah – A Utah businessman was sentenced in federal court today for the second time this year after he admitted to defrauding hundreds of trusting investors throughout the United States out of $10 million in his smartphone company, SAYGUS.  Chad Leon Sayers, 60, of Midvale, Utah, was sentenced to 29 months’ imprisonment, 15 of which were ordered...
Featured image for “NEWS RELEASE: Park City Businessman Sentenced to 12 Months’ Imprisonment for $1.7M Wire Fraud Scheme”

NEWS RELEASE: Park City Businessman Sentenced to 12 Months’ Imprisonment for $1.7M Wire Fraud Scheme

July 11, 2024
Defendant spent funds on his personal mortgage, vacations, swingers clubs, luxury items and more Salt Lake City, Utah – Timothy Andrew Nemeckay, 64, of Park City, Utah, was sentenced yesterday to 12 months’ and one day imprisonment, and 24 months supervised release. In September 2023, Nemeckay admitted to wire fraud, which involved misappropriating approximately $1.7 million from investors investing in...
Featured image for “The Utah Department of Commerce Announces the Official Launch of the Utah Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy”

The Utah Department of Commerce Announces the Official Launch of the Utah Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy

July 8, 2024
The Utah Department of Commerce Utah is pleased to announce the official launch of its Office of Artificial Intelligence (OAIP). This launch represents a significant milestone in Utah’s dedication to shaping responsible AI policies for the benefit of its residents and businesses. Utah is home to many artificial intelligence companies. As a state, we aim to encourage this nascent industry...
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NEWS RELEASE: Utah Reaches Settlement Against Johnson and Johnson

June 13, 2024
Utah Attorney General Reyes, on behalf of the Utah Division of Consumer Protection and with 42 other attorneys general, reached a $700 million nationwide settlement to resolve allegations related to the marketing of Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder and body powder products that contained talc. As part of the settlement, Utah will receive $7,540,013 over four years, for approximately $1.88 million each year....
Featured image for “NEWS RELEASE: Utah Sues TikTok for Raking in Millions from Virtual Strip Clubs Involving Minors”

NEWS RELEASE: Utah Sues TikTok for Raking in Millions from Virtual Strip Clubs Involving Minors

June 3, 2024
The Utah Department of Commerce’s Division of Consumer Protection and Utah Attorney General allege TikTok has knowingly built a revenue stream fueled by illegal activity against young users. Salt Lake City – Utah Governor Spencer Cox and Attorney General Sean Reyes announced a lawsuit today that alleges TikTok Inc. has consciously allowed young people to be sexually exploited on the...