Xeriton, which provides the Blue Phone technical support service to home computer users and previously marketed the ByteCrusher security software, has laid off a portion of its staff and tapped a new CEO who had previously found himself in hot water with the Attorney General's office.
Founder Dave Plummer -- who in 2006 as chief technology officer of Sammamish-based SoftwareOnline.com admitted that he violated the state's Consumer Protection Act -- has assumed the top executive post at the Sammamish company. He replaces Brad Furber.
"Xeriton has shifted its focus from software and tools toward consumer services. This includes its BluePhone brand, an online computer and tech support service for the home," the company wrote in a statement provided to TechFlash. It didn't say how many people we let go.
In 2006, Plummer settled a four month investigation led by state's High-Tech Fraud Unit.
Among the charges was that Plummer and SoftwareOnline.com induced consumers to download and purchase its products -- including InternetShield and Registry Cleaner -- by making false claims that consumers' computers were at risk. Plummer also admitted to deceptive billing practices and transmitting software "that generates multiple advertisements."
As part of a settlement with the Attorney General's office, Plummer and SoftwareOnline agreed to pay $400,000 in civil penalties and refund consumers who had filed complaints.
“Consumers have the right to control their computers and not be subjected to alarmist deceptive advertising,” said Assistant Attorney General Katherine Tassi, at the time the lead investigator on the case.
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