A couple of weeks ago, we talked about Missouri’s “No-Call List,” which is handled by the Missouri attorney general’s office; however, there is more to stopping fraud than just keeping pestering telemarketers from bothering you.
The purpose of the attorney general’s consumer protection division is to keep Missouri operating in a fair, open and honest manner. The Missouri Merchandising Practices Act became law more than 45 years ago. Under this law, businesses and consumers have the opportunity to operate in a marketplace that is free of fraud, unfair practices and unfair competition. The division also helps to enforce Missouri’s antitrust, securities, telemarketing, nonprofit, charitable trust and foundation laws.
Just last year alone, nearly 117,000 people filed complaints with the Missouri attorney general’s consumer protection division. Anyone can file a complaint regarding fraud or deception by going to the attorney general’s website, or by calling 800-392-8222.
In addition, the state attorney general has authority to start both civil and criminal prosecutions against wrongdoers. Their investigators receive and review complaints, assist in issuing pre-litigation subpoenas, assist in search warrant applications and otherwise prepare for trials. The attorney general in Missouri is our top law enforcement officer, and this is another great tool that is meant to help all Missourians.
As always, please feel free to call, email or write with your ideas or concerns. My Capitol office number is (573) 751-1415, my email is dan.hegeman@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 332, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.