(Columbus, Ohio) – Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced a settlement with Akron-based companies NSA Technologies LLC and Home Job Placement and their owners, Mark W. Jenney, Victor J. Bierman III, and Vincent E. Fisher, to resolve allegations that they violated consumer law when offering work-at-home programs online. Under the agreement, they will pay more than $35,000 to affected consumers.

"These companies sold various work-at-home programs, self-employment guides and job placement opportunities to consumers across the country," Attorney General DeWine said. "They took money from consumers, falsely promising that they would find immediate job placement, and then refused to provide refunds."

(COLUMBUS) — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine urged Ohioans to take the opportunity to properly dispose of unused prescription drugs as part of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 30, 2011.

"Unfortunately, many prescription drug abuse cases begin with the misuse of a legitimately prescribed medicine found in the home. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is an effective and convenient way families can safely dispose of unused medicines and help stop prescription drug abuse before it starts," said Attorney General DeWine.

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today warned users of Sony's PlayStation Network and Qriocity to monitor their bank accounts and to watch for email scams in the wake of the announcement from Sony Computer Entertainment of America that user account information was compromised.

"We always encourage consumers to take precautions when it comes to their personal information, but when a large breach occurs, they need to be especially careful," Attorney General DeWine said. "Consumers should be skeptical of any e-mails that claim to relate to the situation, and they should watch their bank statements closely."

Columbus – Attorney General Mike DeWine, along with fifteen other states, Guam, and the City of San Francisco, today issued a letter to Pabst Brewing Company, asking the beer manufacturer to change the formulation and the marketing of its new alcoholic beverage, "Blast." Promoted under the Colt 45 label, Blast is sold in 23.5-ounce containers at 12 percent alcohol by volume with marketing that appeals to young adults.

"It is wrong, irresponsible, and dangerous to be marketing to underaged kids. Blast could easily be called a 'binge-in-a-can,' according to the standards set by respected public agencies," said Ohio Attorney General DeWine. "Drinking a full can of it would be like consuming the alcohol in more than four regular, 12-ounce bottles of beer. With prom season underway, it is especially important that we do all we can to protect our kids from the dangers of alcohol use."

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today warned consumers to be wary of home improvement contractors who come to their doors offering their services.

"As Ohioans clean up from springtime storms, home improvement contractors may come to their doors offering to repair their roof, trim their trees or pave their driveways," Attorney General DeWine said. "Although the offers may seem convenient and worthwhile, be very cautious. Many consumers report problems involving door-to-door home improvement sales."

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today issued certification of the summary language for one of the two referenda seeking the repeal of Senate Bill 5. The certification was issued today in a letter delivered to Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted.

On April 4th, 2011 two petitions were filed with the Attorney General's Office and the Secretary of State. The proposals submitted were informally titled "Short" and "Long." After reviewing the summaries, Attorney General DeWine issued two separate letters certifying the Short Version Summary and rejecting the Long Version Summary.

Akron – As part of his recognition of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today addressed a bullying summit and crime victims' luncheon in Akron.  At the events, DeWine discussed his mission to protect Ohio families – especially children, through his office's increased efforts to tackle cyber safety issues.

"More and more kids are becoming victims of bullying in cyberspace and through cell phones and other digital devices, and too often, cyber bulling can lead to tragic consequences," said Attorney General DeWine. "My office has worked with more than 200,000 Ohio kids and adults on good 'digital citizenship' but more must be done to keep kids safe."

Newark – Attorney General Mike DeWine today spoke at the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police in-service and annual conference. The visit coincides with the observance of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, which takes place April 10-16.

"The core mission of the Attorney General's office is to protect Ohio families by assisting the brave men and women in local law enforcement who risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe," said Attorney General DeWine.

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced his support for legislation introduced today by State Representatives Marlene Anielski (R-Walton Hills) and Nan Baker (R-Westlake) to establish oversight of gaming that takes place at internet cafes and similar establishments. The bill addresses electronic games that look like slot machines, which can mislead players and cause confusion for law enforcement.

"Internet cafes and sweepstakes parlors that are skirting the definitions of what is legal are popping up all across Ohio. Since these games are unregulated, there is no standard for what the payout should be, putting players at a disadvantage," said Attorney General DeWine.

Columbus – Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced his support of a state False Claims Act (FCA) being introduced by state Senators Jim Hughes (R-Columbus) and Scott Oelslager (R- North Canton). Often known as a "whistleblower protection law," the proposed legislation would encourage those with knowledge of fraud involving Ohio funds to come forward.

"At a time when every penny counts, we must do all we can to recover as much as possible for Ohio and our taxpayers," said Attorney General Mike DeWine. "By establishing a state law protecting and encouraging those with insider knowledge of fraud to come to us, we can retain critical state funds."