Knights of Scamalot posing together.

Protect Yourself from Scams During National Consumer Protection Week

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 …

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NEWS RELEASE: Utah Court Denies TikTok’s Motion to Dismiss in the State’s Second Lawsuit Regarding the Live Feature

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 …

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NEWS RELEASE: Alpha Influence Ringleader Admits to Defrauding Investors of Over $20M

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 …

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NEWS RELEASE: Utah and Several States Reach a Tentative Agreement to Settle Opioid Liability Against the Sackler Family Behind OxyContin

Utah is expected to receive $57 million more to combat the state’s opioid epidemic  Salt Lake City, UT—Several states have announced an agreement in principle to settle lawsuits across the country over opioid harms and abate the injuries in our communities. The proposed agreement amounts to $7.4 billion from the Sacklers and their former company, Purdue Pharma. Utah, through the …

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Utah Division of Securities Joins $17 Million Multi-State Enforcement Settlement with Edward Jones

The Utah Department of Commerce’s Division of Securities, Multi-State Working Group Finds Supervisory Failures With Respect to Class A Mutual Fund Shares SALT LAKE CITY, UT – (January 16, 2025) – The Utah Department of Commerce’s Division of Securities, a member of the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), has joined a $17 million settlement with Edward D. Jones & …

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News Release: Utah Cosmetology Licensing Overhaul Recommended: Streamline Training, Safety, and Economic Opportunity

January 15, 2025 The Utah Department of Commerce’s Office of Professional Licensure Review releases cosmetology licensing recommendations following periodic review, Finds Utah Cosmetology License Requires Millions of Excess Training Hours Salt Lake City, UT – The Office of Professional Licensure Review (OPLR) has published an extensive report evaluating the state of cosmetology licensure in Utah, revealing critical insights aimed at …

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NEWS RELEASE: Utah Division of Consumer Protections Announces Release of Previously Redacted Information in TikTok Inc. Complaint Filing

An internal investigation called “Project Meramec” shows TikTok executives knew the company was profiting from children being sexually exploited on its platform. Salt Lake City, UT—The Utah Department of Commerce’s Division of Consumer Protections, represented by the Utah Attorney General’s Office, announced today the release of previously redacted information related to its most recent complaint filed against TikTok Inc. (TikTok). …

Knights of Scamalot posing together.

UTAH DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE WINS PRESTIGIOUS RAGAN PR DAILY AWARD 

[Salt Lake City, Utah] — The Utah Department of Commerce has won Ragan’s PR Daily Awards in the Public Service Campaign category. Ragan’s PR Daily Awards celebrates the top communications campaigns, events, initiatives, publications, and more that were instrumental in the success of organizations and clients. Ragan held a special award celebration on December 11 at the City Winery in …

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NEWS RELEASE:  Utah Department of Commerce’s Office of Artificial Intelligence Announces First Regulatory Mitigation Agreement

A First-of-Its-Kind AI Regulatory Relief Agreement for Utah With Teen Mental Wellness App, ElizaChat SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Office of Artificial Intelligence (OAIP) signed its first regulatory mitigation agreement with ElizaChat, a company developing an app that schools can offer to teenage students to enable them to improve their mental wellness. The app aims to facilitate discussions around …