Attorney General's News Release

December 9, 1999

Nixon obtains court order preventing Arizona business from offering credit card services in Missouri

Springfield, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon on Wednesday (Dec. 8) obtained a court order that prevents a Phoenix business from offering credit cards or credit card protection services in Missouri and requires the business to pay full restitution to consumers and $6,500 to the state.

Nixon filed a lawsuit last month in Greene County against Furtherance International, which did business as Premier Card Services. In the lawsuit, Nixon said the business billed consumers for credit card protection services they did not order and also did not credit consumers' credit card accounts as promised.

Under the consent injunction signed yesterday by Circuit Court Judge Don Burrell, Furtherance International and its officers and representatives are permanently prohibited from offering credit cards or credit card protection services in, to, through or from Missouri, including using telemarketing, direct mail, direct sales or advertising.

Furtherance International also must make full restitution within 30 days of receiving notice of any consumer complaints against it received by the Attorney General's Office. Missouri consumers with complaints against Furtherance International or Premier Card Services who have not already received restitution should contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-8222.

Furtherance International has paid a penalty of $3,500 to the state and $3,000 to cover costs incurred by the Attorney General's Office as part of its investigation and legal action.

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