The lawsuit names AAA Team Auctions, owner Lucy Leffler Knopf and numerous assumed business names

Attorney General John Kroger today announced a lawsuit that accuses a Portland business woman of deceiving consumers who turned to her to sell family heirlooms and valuable antiques.

“The defendant’s business plan was to use multiple business names to confuse consumers and conceal multiple complaints against her,” said Attorney General Kroger.

The lawsuit is against Lucy Leffler Knopf, who owns AAA Team Auctions, Antique & Art Dealers, LLC, as well as several other businesses. Knopf also operates under more than a dozen assumed business names.

According to the lawsuit, Knopf told customers she would appraise, catalogue and sell antiques and other property for a fee. Instead, she would claim to lose items or sell them for such low prices that customers end up owing more in fees than they received from the sale.

Customers who attempted to cancel their agreements with Knopf and her various companies were told they would not get their items back unless they paid a large handling fee.

The lawsuit also accuses Knopf of elder abuse because she financially abused a 93-year-old woman and her 70-year-old daughter.

Prior to the Department of Justice filing suit, former customers have won judgments totaling $43,000 against Knopf.

Assistant Attorneys General Eva Novick and Janelle Wipper are handling the case for the Oregon 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, promote a positive business climate, and defend the rights of all Oregonians.

Contact:

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