The Federal Trade Commission has obtained a order shutting down Vector Direct, an Arizona company that promised to help consumers get their names off telemarketing lists.
The order settles all charges against the firm and its principals, Mike Stafford and Lisa Miller. That pair was hit with a fine of almost $811,000, but it was suspended due to their inability to pay, the FTC said.
The defendants allegedly sold $34.95 call-screening devices for $399 after telling prospects that their names and a variety of personal and financial information were on telemarketing lists.
According to the FTC, the couple promised to remove the prospects’ personal information from the files, and then told them that the call-screening device would help guard against identity theft.
The injunction prohibits the couple from making false statements to customers about their financial information, and from billing consumer accounts without permission, as they allegedly did. It also bars them and their associates from advertising or selling any products through telemarketing.
The FTC’s initial complaint was brought against the Arizona-based company Feb. 2. It charged the couple with two counts of violating the FTC Act and three counts of violating the Telemarketing Sales Rule.
The final order was filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona at Phoenix.
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