Attorney General John Kroger today announced a settlement that prohibits a Canadian internet yellow pages company from offering its allegedly deceptive services to Oregon businesses.

“I am committed to protecting Oregon small businesses from fraud,” said Attorney General Kroger. “When small businesses are victimized, we will respond aggressively.”

The Oregon Department of Justice took action against UnitedStatesBusinessPages.com in response to a complaint from a LaPine small business owner.

The business owner said UnitedStatesBusinessPages.com called her on the pretext of updating its records. She answered “yes” to a series of questions about the address, phone and fax numbers of the business. UnitedStatesBusinessPages.com later used a recording of her saying “yes” to claim she had agreed to purchase a $500 online ad. The company then sent her a bill.

Instead of paying the bill, the business owner filed a complaint with the Oregon Department of Justice.

Some companies based in Canada appear to be American because they use a mail drop in the lower 48. The Oregon Department of Justice has resolved several cases of alleged cross-border fraud.

Senior Assistant Attorney General Thomas Elden handled the case for the Department of Justice.

Attorney General John Kroger leads the Oregon Department of Justice. The Department’s mission is to fight crime and fraud, protect the environment, improve child welfare, and defend the rights of all Oregonians.

Contact:

Tony Green, (503) 378-6002 tony.green@doj.state.or.us |