Attorney General's News Release

March 22, 2001

Nixon issues warning on Canadian business trying to sign up consumers for "international no call list" for $289

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon today warned Missourians to beware of telemarketing calls made by a Montreal, Quebec business offering to place the consumers on an "international no call list" for a $289 fee. Not only is the service being sold worthless, Nixon said, Missourians can obtain protection from telemarketing calls for free by signing up for the Attorney General's No Call list.

Nixon's office is looking into complaints against the Canadian business, which calls itself R&R Consultants, or Peace and Quiet. Dozens of Missourians — many of whom are older — have contacted the Attorney General's Office after receiving telemarketing calls from Peace and Quiet. In addition to offering placement on the "international no call list," the business also is selling what it says is credit card protection and a way to stop junk mail.

"These con artists define brazenness and unmitigated gall," Nixon said. "They are making telemarketing calls to sell at a high price a useless service that is supposed to protect you from unwanted telemarketing calls. My advice to Missourians wanting to stop telemarketing calls is to hang up on the scam artists from Peace and Quiet and to call toll-free 1-866 No Call 1 to sign up for the Attorney General's No Call list for free."

To date, more than 316,000 Missouri residential phone lines are registered on Nixon's No Call list. Missourians can sign up online or by calling toll-free 1-866-NOCALL1. Both methods are free; enforcement under the state's No Call law begins July 1.

Nixon has had success in taking legal action against fraudulent Canadian telemarketers. Last year, Ronald James "Sharky" Blum, a Montreal telemarketer, was sentenced to five years in prison after being caught on audiotape pretending to be a Canadian judge as a part of an attempt to scam Missouri victims.

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.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818