Attorney General's News Release
February 16, 2007
Nixon shuts down Imperial business that defrauded other small businesses in sale of Internet advertising
Hillsboro, Mo. — An Imperial couple that sold Internet advertising to small businesses based on false guarantees has been barred from operating in Missouri and has had its bank accounts frozen under an injunction obtained by Attorney General Jay Nixon. The preliminary injunction against Vickie and Jonathan Nash, who do business as Salez-4-U Advertising Service, was signed Thursday (Feb. 15) by Jefferson County Circuit Judge Robert Wilkins.
Nixon filed a lawsuit against the defendants on Jan. 23, alleging that the Nashes guaranteed small businesses that their Internet advertising would generate a specific number of paid customers—not just visitors or leads—to the businesses' Web sites, or the businesses would receive refunds. At least nine small businesses paid the defendants a total of $16,735 for the “guaranteed results” promised by the Nashes but never received the sign-ups guaranteed or the refunds.
Amounts paid by consumers ranged from $129 to $4,900. The defendants also changed web addresses and telephone numbers as a way to avoid consumers who requested refunds, Nixon said.
“Anybody who takes the hard-earned money of a small business while promising some service, fails to provide that service, and then makes it impossible for the small business to get a refund should themselves not be in business,” Nixon said. “This injunction against the defendants does just that—closes their business and prevents them from ripping anybody else off.
“In addition to the order prohibiting the defendants from continuing to operate their business in Missouri and freezing their bank accounts, Nixon is also seeking a permanent injunction requiring the Nashes to pay consumer restitution and penalties to the state.
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 Press Secretary.
E-mail Phone: 573-751-8844 Fax: 573-751-5818