Oregon Department of Justice

Attorney General Hardy Myers today, in cooperation with the Federal Trade Commission and the attorneys general of five other states, announced the filing of five settlement agreements as part of "Operation Ditch the Pitch," a joint federal/state law enforcement sweep targeting telemarketing and cold-calling operations.

Named in Assurances of Voluntary Compliance are Tara Strong, who did business as Carpet Cleaning Experts in Lincoln City, Columbia River Vinyl of Vancouver, Washington, Pacific Benefits Group of Portland, AAG Marketing of Spokane, Washington, and American Reading Club of Cumming, Georgia. The agreements, filed in Marion and Lincoln County Circuit Courts, admit no law violation.

"Oregon consumers buy goods and services from all over the world, making it essential for state and federal law enforcement to work together to ensure an honest, global marketplace," Myers said. "Taking action against telemarketers in conjunction with the Federal Trade Commission and other attorneys general sends a unified message that unlawful cold-calling into citizens' homes won't be tolerated."

Four of the agreements concern alleged violations of Oregon's "No Call" List law with the companies paying a total of $29,000 into the Department of Justice consumer protection and education fund. The fifth assurance with the American Reading Club of Georgia concerns the company's selling magazine subscriptions over the telephone without being registered as a telemarketer with Justice. The company agreed to make pro-rated refunds to victims and will cease telemarketing activities in Oregon.

Consumers wanting information about telemarketing and Oregon's "No Call" List law may call the Attorney General's consumer hotline at (503) 378-4320 (Salem area only), (503) 229-5576 (Portland area only) or toll-free at 1-877-877-9392 or Oregon No Call at 1-877-700-6622. Online information is at www.doj.state.or.us and www.ornocall.com.