Attorney General's News Release

July 16, 2008

Nixon sues Florida clock and collectible franchise operating in Branson; seeks temporary restraining order, restitution for consumers

Forsyth, Mo. - A Florida business that accepted payment from consumers for clocks and other collectibles at one of its Missouri locations but failed to provide the merchandise or refund the money is the target of a lawsuit filed by Attorney General Jay Nixon. Nixon's petition against American Clocks Inc., of Plant City, Fla., which uses the name Father Time Clocks and Collectibles to do business, was filed today in Taney County Circuit Court. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday (July 15), seeks a temporary restraining order and consumer restitution.

According to Nixon, Father Time Clocks and Collectibles has operated at least three stores in Branson. As early as September 19, 2007, the business accepted money from a consumer for a clock that was never delivered. Nixon said that since that time, thousands of dollars worth of clocks have not been delivered to consumers who had already paid for the merchandise. The business has also failed to issue refunds to the consumers.

Nixon is requesting that the court issue a temporary restraining order against the business to prevent further violations of Missouri consumer protection laws; specifically, that Father Time be prevented from accepting payment from consumers in exchange for merchandise that is not delivered and not refunding the payment, or making assertions in the advertising or sale of merchandise which are not true. In addition, the lawsuit is requesting that the defendants pay restitution to consumers who suffered a financial loss in the matter, as well as appropriate civil penalties and court costs.

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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 the Communications Office.

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