New Jersey Acting Attorney General John Hoffman recently received a judgment of more than $45,000 against a Florida man who allegedly made misrepresenations and false promises while promoting the Superstorm Sandy Reconstruction Summit.
Organizer William Loiry allegedly violated the state's Consumer Fraud Act and Advertising Regulations while promoting the event, which was to take place on Dec. 17, 2012. Following the filing of a lawsuit by the state, a court ordered that the event be canceled just days before it was to occur.
“On the very same day that Superstorm Sandy struck, this Florida resident launched a scheme to profit from the aftermath here in New Jersey,” Hoffman said. “He sent 70,000 emails urging the recipients to attend a ‘Summit’ at which top government leaders supposedly would inform the public about relief and rebuilding opportunities. He created a website bearing the presidential seal and language conveying the false impression that the ‘Summit’ was affiliated with government. Our swift action put a stop to this false and misleading advertising, and has now resulted in a judge’s order that he pay restitution to those New Jersey consumers who registered to attend.”
Loiry has been ordered to pay $46,384.20 to the state, which includes $12,500 in refunds to consumers for sponsorship fees and registration.