Koster
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Legal Newsline) - Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster has obtained a consent judgement against Office Depot, Inc., over allegations that the company violated Missouri's Merchandising Practices Act.
A year-long investigation by Koster's office raised several issues regarding overcharging of both the Missouri government and non-profit customers by Office Depot, he said. Among the issues uncovered were misrepresentations of cost savings and failures to be forthcoming about such cost savings in ads and sales pitches.
"Consumers have a right to have full confidence that a company's ads and sales pitches are honest and accurate," Koster said.
"Businesses that try to increase their profits by deceiving Missouri consumers should understand that the Attorney General's Office will take action."
Under terms of the consent judgment, Office Depot will pay $320,000 in restitution and $120,000 to reimburse the state for the cost of the investigation and enforcing the Missouri Merchandising Practice Act.
A permanent injunction was also issued against Office Depot to prevent the company from violating the Missouri Merchandising Practice Act. A $100,000 penalty was suspended contingent on compliance with the terms of the judgment and permanent injunction.