Attorney General's News Release

May 24, 2007

Nixon demands refunds for Missouri consumers scammed by two out-of-state vacuum cleaner businesses

Jefferson City, Mo. — A pair of companies based in California and New York that advertised and sold vacuums to Missouri consumers but failed to deliver the products or provide refunds as promised are facing a lawsuit from Attorney General Jay Nixon. Nixon filed the lawsuit today in Cole County Circuit Court against Brass Logistics of Los Angeles and Tactica International of New York seeking injunctions, restitution and penalties.

According to Nixon, Brass Logistics and Tactica International advertised and sold vacuums to Missourians between June 2005 and November 2006, primarily through infomercials that ran on television stations across the state. The infomercials stated that consumers who purchased a vacuum would receive a second vacuum and steamer free of charge, and directed consumers to use an 800 number to order. Numerous Missouri consumers provided their credit card, debit card or checking account information to the defendants, had those accounts debited for the cost of the vacuum, but never received delivery of the vacuum.

In addition, some consumers received two vacuums as promised but were charged for both, while others received four vacuums and were charged for all four. Other consumers who returned the vacuums to the defendants, either due to operation problems or because they received more vacuums than they ordered, were promised refunds but never received any money back. Consumers who attempted to contact either Brass Logistics or Tactica International were often unable to reach the companies on the phone numbers they provided in their advertisements.

In all, 42 Missouri consumers paid more than $11,000 to purchase the defendants' products but either never received a vacuum cleaner or never received a refund.

Nixon is asking the court to issue an injunction against the defendants, preventing them from continuing to use unlawful and deceptive practices in the advertisement and sale of vacuum cleaners. The lawsuit also calls for the defendants to pay restitution, appropriate penalties and court costs.

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