Attorney General's News Release

July 19, 2002

Nixon files suit to protect Missouri businesses from "yellow pages" fraud

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon today filed suit against a Montreal company, World Wide Source Publishing, for misleading Missouri businesses into buying listings in an imitation "yellow pages" directory for $399.95 each. According to the company's records at least 35,000 businesses nationwide have fallen for the fallacious sales pitch.

Nixon said World Wide Source Publishing deceptively promotes its directory as the "yellow pages," leading businesses to believe it is a solicitation for their local yellow pages. In actuality the directory, American Business Index, contains a national listing of businesses and is not distributed to any consumers, but is only given to other businesses that purchase listings in the directory.

The directory is also of little value because listings are not geographical, Nixon said. For example, a Missouri business actually using the directory to locate a contractor, would have to go through more than 50 pages of contractor listings arranged alphabetically, rather than by city or state. "Small businesses are being ripped off by this scam at an alarming rate," Nixon said. "They are being charged significant amounts and in some cases are told to renew a listing in this phony 'yellow pages' that they never even purchased."

Nixon also alleges that World Wide Source Publishing has billed many of its customers $399.95 for listings in the American Business Index without obtaining authorization from them.

The lawsuit, filed in St. Louis County Circuit Court, asks the court to order an injunction prohibiting the defendant from engaging in any business in Missouri. The suit also seeks restitution to all Missouri businesses who purchased listings in the American Business Index and civil penalties of up to $1,000 for each violation of Missouri's consumer protection laws.

Any Missouri business that believes it has been deceived by World Wide Source Publishing can file a complaint online or by calling the Missouri 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