Attorney General's News Release

July 24, 2002

Nixon collects additional $25,000, sues two telemarketers for No Call violations

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon today announced that his office has obtained court orders requiring two additional telemarketers to pay $25,000 for calling Missourians on the No Call list. The Attorney General now has collected $610,000 from 73 telemarketers since enforcement of the law began July 1, 2001.

The telemarketers are:

• ResortPro.com, whose principle place of business is in San Diego, will pay $20,000 for making calls marketing vacation packages;
• Homebuyers Assistance Foundation Inc., whose principle place of business is in Kansas City, will pay $5,000 for making calls marketing home mortgage services.

Nixon also filed lawsuits in St. Louis County Circuit Court against a New Jersey business, Septic Safety Inc., which was soliciting chemical additives for septic tanks, and a Springfield business, Superior Innovations.

In October, Superior Innovations agreed to pay $10,000 to the state for soliciting home appliances and home products to Missourians on the No Call list. However, the president of the business, Shawn Vaughn, left the state and the money was not paid. Vaughn is currently out on bond after being charged with felony sales tax fraud in Missouri related to Superior Innovations. A hearing is scheduled on Sept. 18 in Greene County Circuit Court on the tax fraud charges.

Missourians can still register their home telephone numbers on the No Call list by going online or by calling 1-866-NOCALL1 (1-866-662-2551). Those already on the No Call list may file complaints about telemarketing calls by downloading a complaint form or by calling the toll-free number.

The next updated list of telephone numbers on the No Call list will become effective Oct. 1. Any Missourian whose home phone number is not yet on the list will need to register by Aug. 1 to receive No Call coverage on that date.

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