Attorney General's News Release

July 15, 2005

Nixon announces Charter Communications will pay $75,000 for telemarketing calls to those on No Call list

St. Louis, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon announced today that Charter Communications, the nation's third-largest cable television provider, will pay $75,000 to the state of Missouri for alleged violations of the state's No Call law.

Nixon contended the St. Louis-based Fortune 500 company placed telemarketing calls to Missourians on the No Call list. The telemarketers were attempting to sell Charter's cable television services.

"In the future, I hope Charter remembers that Missourians want to relax in the privacy of their homes without interruption from unwanted telemarketing calls," Nixon said. "Every company that calls Missourians must understand that we make telemarketers pay when they shatter our peace and quiet with illegal calls."

In addition to paying $75,000 to the Missouri Merchandising Practices Revolving Fund, Charter also must comply fully with Missouri's No Call law. Future knowing violations of the assurance of voluntary compliance, which was signed today by St. Louis City Circuit Judge David Dowd, will cost Charter $1,000 per call.

Missouri residents who wish to register their telephone numbers on the No Call list or file a complaint regarding a No Call violation can do so by visiting Nixon's Web site or by calling 1-866-NOCALL1.

To date, Nixon's office has obtained more than $1,360,500 from businesses that have violated Missouri's No Call law.

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 the Communications Office.

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