Attorney General’s Office chases Penguin
By JEREMIAH O’HAGAN Staff Reporter
In the state’s case against Mukilteo-based Penguin Windows, the Office of Attorney General (OAG) “alleged that Penguin’s claims just didn’t fly,” said Assistant Attorney General Jack Zurlini.
OAG filed against Penguin as part of their consumer protection efforts focused on transparent marketing, a press release said.
In its complaint, OAG said Penguin, which also operates as Statewide Energy Systems, Statewide Home Improvement, Statewide Vinyl and Statewide Windows and Siding, had no basis for claims that customers could “save 40 percent on their monthly heating and cooling bills.”
They also alleged that the company’s “practice of asking homeowners to sign a letter agreeing not to cancel the sale interferes with a law that gives customers three business days to cancel a sale made during an in-home presentation.”
Penguin refused to admit to any wrongs, but was amenable to a settlement, filed in King County Superior Court. The terms of settlement prohibit Penguin from making misrepresentations to gain entry into homes, failing to substantiate advertising claims, interfering with cancellation rights and continuing in-home sales presentations after customers have clearly stated they wish it to end.
OAG suspended civil penalties of $25,000 on the conditions that Penguin adhere to consumer protection laws in the future and pay $95,000 in attorney’s fees and legal costs.
Penguin agreed.
