Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb today announced that the nation’s third largest tax preparation company, Liberty Tax, will pay $550,000 to more than 7,300 DC residents who were misled and overcharged for tax preparation services. As part of a settlement resolving the consumer protection lawsuit that the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) filed against it, Liberty Tax must also pay $200,000 to the District and permanently end the deceptive marketing and pricing tactics it used across the US.  

When I was sworn into office nearly one year ago, humbled by the trust District residents placed in me to represent and advocate for them, I pledged to use the law to combat persistent equity gaps, defend and strengthen the fundamental rights of all who live and work here, ensure that our children live healthy, hopeful lives, and work every day towards a stronger, safer community. I am very proud of the hard work that the talented professionals at the Office of Attorney General have performed over the past year and of the meaningful and impactful results we’ve delivered for District residents across all eight Wards.

Attorney General Schwalb today announced the resolution of an investigation into Lyft concerning its failure to provide proper notice to consumers about fines the company imposed when scooters were parked improperly. Under the terms of a settlement agreement, Lyft will provide full restitution and return nearly $90,000 to affected scooter users. Lyft will also pay $20,000 to the District and has already made changes to its systems to ensure users are notified about DC’s scooter parking rules and notified of any fines imposed for parking violations.

At the Office of Attorney General (OAG), we use the law to preserve and advocate for affordable housing, protect tenants, and hold abusive and neglectful landlords accountable. This month, we announced our lawsuit against RealPage, a Texas-based technology firm that offers various technology-based services to real estate owners and property managers, and 14 of the District’s largest landlords for colluding to inflate rent prices in rental buildings across our city. 

Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb today issued the below Consumer Alert informing District residents of their right to clear information about prices before they make a purchase in the District of Columbia.  

Statement of Adam Teitelbaum, Director, Office of Consumer Protection, Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia

Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb today filed a lawsuit against Curbio, Inc. (Curbio), which markets itself as a pre-sale home renovation company that allows homeowners to defer payment until their homes are sold. The lawsuit alleges Curbio engages in a scheme of deception, intimidation, and fraud that traps District residents—targeting the elderly and financially disadvantaged—into unconscionable contracts, while performing overpriced, substandard work that often takes months—or years—longer than promised.

All District residents have the right to enjoy the natural treasures of our great city while living in safe and healthy neighborhoods. OAG will continue to work hard, everyday, to ensure that the law protects that right for everyone.

Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb today announced a lawsuit against Meta Platforms, Inc. (Meta) alleging that the company knowingly designed Instagram and its other social media platforms with features that lure in and addict children and cause harm to their mental, emotional, and physical health. At the same time, Meta has falsely assured the public that these features are safe for young users, despite its own internal research showing they’re not.

Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb today announced that, along with 49 other Attorneys General, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) reached a settlement with software company Blackbaud, which provides software to nonprofits (primarily charities and schools), for its deficient data security practices and response to a 2020 ransomware event that exposed the personal information of millions of consumers across the United States, including thousands of District residents. Under the settlement, Blackbaud has agreed to overhaul its data security and breach notification practices and pay $355,210 to the District.