Stenehjem
BISMARCK, N.D. (Legal Newsline) - North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem issued a cease and desist order on Thursday against a business opportunity scheme sales company and its principals for allegedly violating consumer fraud law.
The Coral Springs, Fla.-based The Media Hook Inc., Carlos Rivas and Christopher Clark allegedly took $3,500 from a North Dakota consumer and made false promises that the consumer could generate income without any risk. Media Hook also allegedly said it would provide customer services and support but failed to be available by telephone to provide such services.
"Consumers should be very wary of these business opportunity schemes that falsely claim to generate income for large up-front fees," Stenehjem said.
"Legitimate businesses, both brick and mortar and Internet, require reliable products or services, a good business plan, and solid business skills. Instant business opportunity schemes on 'How to Make Money While You Sleep' are scams designed to fleece consumers with false promises."
The Media Hook allegedly failed to respond to an inquiry by the state's Consumer Protection Division and stated it was out of business. Despite the claim, the company's website themediahook.com is still active and the company is in active status with Florida's Department of State Division of Corporations.
Rivas and Clark have allegedly operated multiple other businesses out of the same Florida address.