Brief: LV firm sued over ‘deceptive’ sweepstakes

Monday, Jan. 11, 1999 | 11:41 a.m.

A suit filed Friday in state district court alleges Direct American Marketers mailed sweepstakes prize notifications to consumers throughout the state. The notifications implied that the recipient had won a prize that could be claimed by calling a 900 telephone number.

"Consumers who called the 900 telephone number were billed, on average, approximately $30 for each call, and rather than receive the significant prize as promised ... consumers received a 'prize' of $1, or nothing at all," states the suit.

The state is asking for an injunction preventing Direct American Marketing from such activity, and for civil penalties and restitution for consumers.

Anthony C. Brown, Direct American's president and chief executive, was also named as a defendant in the suit. The company could not be reached for comment.

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