Have you gotten any tempting offers in the mail from the National Service Award Advisory, or perhaps the Prize Information Bureau?
The Consumer Protection Division of Maryland's Attorney General's office charged National Service Award Advisory, a Las Vegas-based company, and its owner Geovanni Sorino this week with unfair and deceptive trade practices.
The business is accused of sending notices to Marylanders stating they were eligible for awards as high as $3.4 million.
But first, they had to pay a fee of about $20 in most cases, but instead of money ...
... in exchange they received a list of other sweepstakes and contests that they should enter.
The letters sometimes stated they were from the State of Maryland Commissioners of Registration, according to the AG's office. Apparently they've tried this approach in other states as well --- the Kentucky Better Business Bureau warned bluegrass state consumers last year that no such "commission" exists there, either.
The Consumer Protection division is seeking refunds of fees for customers as well as penalties and costs --- and for this company to stop sending its mailings to state residents.
There will be an administrative hearing on this matter on April 7 in Hunt Valley. If you too were duped by this company or want more information about the situation, contact the Consumer Protection Division at 410.576.6577.