Attorney General's News Release

July 6, 2012

Attorney General Koster sues vacation package telemarketers for violating Missouri’s no-call law

Jefferson City, Mo. – Attorney General Chris Koster said today he has filed a lawsuit against three telemarketing companies for making solicitation phone calls to Missourians on the state’s no-call list.

Koster filed suit against:

• Branson Premier Travel, L.L.C., doing business as Ozark Mountain Vacation Services, based in Branson;
• Branson Travel & Cruise, L.L.C., doing business as Knasel Marketing Plus Contact Center, based in St. Louis; and
• Super Market Merchandising and supply, Inc., based in St. Louis.

The lawsuit also names the owner of the three companies, Kevin Knasel. According to Koster, the companies called consumers to solicit vacation packages and other products and services.

Koster is asking the court to stop the telemarketers from calling Missourians on the no-call list. He is also seeking civil penalties and the costs of the investigation and prosecution.

Koster reminds Missourians they can sign up for the Do-Not-Call hotline on his website at www.ago.mo.gov or by calling 866-662-2551. He encourages consumers who receive harassing solicitation calls to file a complaint at 1-866-buzzoff (1-866-289-9633).

Consumers can now register their personal cell phones with the Attorney General’s Office at www.ago.mo.gov or by calling 866-662-2551.