Attorney General's News Release

May 30, 2003

Nixon lawsuit over No Call scam results in lifetime ban of Canadian man doing business in Missouria

Jefferson City, Mo. — A Canadian man who sold registration on a phony No Call list has been permanently barred from doing business in Missouri and ordered to pay $10,000 restitution to consumers and $25,000 to the state under a court order obtained May 29 by Attorney General Jay Nixon.

Nixon sued Morton Garellek of Westmount, Quebec, for violating Missouri consumer protection laws by using telemarketers who misrepresented to consumers that they were calling from government agencies or the consumers' credit card customer service center.

The telemarketers would then attempt to obtain personal and bank account information from the consumers by offering a variety of bogus services, including placement on a no call list. Regardless of whether the consumers expressed interest in the services, any financial information obtained was then used to electronically debit their bank accounts of $199 to $269.

Nixon said his office has received 17 complaints from Missouri consumers, but the actual number of victims may be much higher since Garellek operated under 11 business names, including Morton Garellek and Associates, 2880474 Canada Inc., Guardian Information Systems, Guardian InfoServices, Guardian Protection Services, Guardian Security Services, Guardian Emergency, Emergency Medical Information, Emergency Medical System, EMID and Black Blazer Investments Inc.

Consumers who have fallen prey to this scam can contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division by going online or by calling 1-800-392-8222.

Missourians who do not have their home phone numbers on the No Call list may still register those numbers at any time at no cost. They also can register by calling toll-free 1-866-NOCALL1 (1-866-662-2551). Those already on the No Call list may file complaints about telemarketing calls by going online or by calling the toll-free number.

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