Attorney General's News Release

August 21, 2008

Nixon obtains settlement with Florida collectibles franchise operating in Branson; consumers to receive $15,417 restitution

Forsyth, Mo. - A Florida business that accepted payment from consumers for clocks at some of its Missouri locations but failed to provide the merchandise or refund the money will pay $15,417 in restitution and stop violating state consumer protection laws under an agreement with Attorney General Jay Nixon. Judge Mark Orr entered the Consent Injunction and Final Judgment that has been worked out between Nixon and American Clocks Inc. of Plant City, Fla., which uses the name Father Time Clocks and Collectibles to do business, today in Taney County Circuit Court.

Nixon filed a lawsuit against Father Time Clocks and Collectibles on July 16, after complaints alleged that the business accepted money from consumers for clocks that were never delivered. Nixon said that, in total, thousands of dollars worth of clocks had not been delivered to consumers who had already paid for the merchandise, and that the business also failed to issue refunds to consumers.

As part of today's agreement, Father Time Clocks and Collectibles is permanently prohibited from continuing to violate state consumer protection laws in the sales of its merchandise, including accepting payment for items and not providing the merchandise or refund. The business is also required to pay $15,417 in consumer restitution, and would face a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per violation for any future violation of any term or condition of the agreement.

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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.

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