OLYMPIA, Wash. — The attorney general for the State of Washington, Rob McKenna, has accused two marketing firms of using deceptive advertising and prize promotions to steer consumers to buy cars.

The

state announced two new lawsuits today as part of an ongoing effort to enforce

fair marketing practices. "We’ve warned dealers and ad firms that they need to make

sure their promotions comply with state laws,” said Assistant Attorney General

Mary Lobdell. “Now we’ve set up a roadblock to stop those businesses that

continue to drive down the wrong side of the legal road.”

The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division filed a complaint

today in Pierce County Superior Court accusing Big Ideas Direct LLC, of

Woodinville, and owners Jeffrey Watts and Michael Nealy, both of Snohomish

County, of violating Washington’s consumer protection and prizes/promotions

laws.

State attorneys filed a similar complaint

May 19 in Thurston County Superior Court against Smart Automotive Group LLC, of

Metairie, La.,

and its president, Bernard E. Burst III, of New Orleans.

McKenna's office reached settlements in 2007

and 2008 with three other companies concerning similar allegations. The office

created a Web page at www.atg.wa.gov/dealers.aspx with

tips to help dealers comply with advertising laws.