Attorney General's News Release

November 1, 2000

Nixon warns Missouri hospitals about possible billing scam

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon today warned Missouri businesses, particularly hospitals, to beware of billing scams involving phony invoices for heating and cooling system work. Nixon said his office is looking into complaints from several Missouri hospitals recently that received invoices from a New York business calling itself Starr Heating and Cooling Systems Co.

"The information we currently have is that these invoices are for work that was never performed," Nixon said. "The invoices we have seen are identical in the parts and labor listed and in the amount billed ($3907.53), but hospitals and other businesses need to closely review all invoices they receive so they don't fall victim to billing scams."

Any Missouri businesses or agencies that receive suspicious invoices can call the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-8222.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818