NEWARK, N.J. (Legal Newsline) - New Jersey Acting Attorney General John Hoffman announced a lawsuit on Wednesday against a Fairfield-based company that allegedly engaged in multiple violations of the Consumer Fraud Act.
Telebrands Corp., a company known for its "As Seen on TV" products, allegedly aggressively upsold products through its automated phone system and websites, shipped and billed for products not ordered by consumers, failed to provide means for consumers to opt out of the ordering process, and used misleading advertisements.
Hoffman's lawsuit also alleged that Telebrands violated the terms of a 2001 final consent judgment and order that resolved prior litigation with the state and required compliance with the Consumer Fraud Act.
Between January 2012 and July, Hoffman's Division of Consumer Affairs received 340 consumer complaints regarding Telebrands' business practices.
“As demonstrated by its alleged actions, Telebrands cannot be trusted to do right by its customers or to even honor its own 2001 pledge to follow our consumer protection laws,” Hoffman said. “We are bringing this action to end the abusive business practices that Telebrands allegedly is inflicting upon consumers.”
Hoffman's lawsuit seeks restitution for victims, in addition to civil penalties and reimbursement of costs. The Consumer Fraud Act provides for civil penalties of up to $10,000 for each violation. If Telebrands is found to have violated the 2001 agreement, it may pay penalties of up to $20,000 per violation.
'As Seen on TV' company sued by New Jersey attorney general
