Dann
COLUMBUS, Ohio - After receiving more than 50 complaints from consumers across the United States, Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann recently filed a lawsuit Friday that charges an Internet company with false advertising.
Courts Online offers unlimited searches of private and public databases for a fee of $24-$30, but consumers allege that it fails to deliver.
So far, Dann's investigation has revealed that Courts Online is not properly registered in Ohio.
"Because consumers are increasingly turning to the Internet to purchase goods and services, I will do all I can to ensure that companies based in Ohio are operating according to the law -- not operating scams," Dann said.
Dann added that he is not filing suit to put Courts Online out of business, but to protect consumers by forcing the company to comply with the law.
The case was filed in Miami County Common Pleas Court, where co-owners Mark and Diana Musselman have based the company. It asks the court to stop Courts Online from continuing its alleged illegal activities and enter into any further business transactions until it has paid whatever restitution the court deems appropriate.
Dann seeks civil penalties of $25,000 per violation and the ability to see Courts Online's business records at any given time over the next five years.