BISMARCK, N.D. (Legal Newsline) - North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem recently initiated an investigation against Vladimir Adolphe and determined he was operating a business invoice scam through his companies GeneralYellowPages.com and Electronic Media Marketing Group.
Based on reports from businesses that allegedly received invoices for advertising services that were never requested, Stenehjem directed his consumer protection division to investigate Adolphe. The consumer fraud investigators determined Adolphe was engaging in deceptive practices.
“It appears Mr. Adolphe targeted churches and local nonprofits because those organizations are often run by volunteers or employees who may not be experienced in advertising and business accounting practices,” Stenehjem said.
Stenehjem suggested businesses verify that an original written order exists before simply paying an invoice.
Adolphe and his representatives allegedly called North Dakota businesses and asked if they would like to renew a previously ordered business listing service that, in fact, was never ordered. When businesses asked to cancel the service, they were allegedly informed that there was a bill for a previous year’s service of $599.95, and they must pay or face legal action. In some instances, the claim was for multiple years and late fees were added to the invoice.
Stenehjem issued a cease and desist order against Adolphe and his businesses.
N.D. AG orders GeneralYellowPages.com to stop with alleged scam
