10.5.18 – KARK
Alert America accused of violating Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (News release) – Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge and Alert America LLC have reached a settlement to resolve allegations that Alert America violated the Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
The company sold third-party alarm-monitoring services to Arkansas consumers, and many of its contracts included a prepaid service contract.
Alert America closed its business and failed to remit payments to the third party. As a result, many Arkansans had services discontinued without any money being returned to consumers who had prepaid for services they never received and without any notice from Alert America concerning the cancellation.
“Alert America violated Arkansans’ trust and contracts,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “Arkansans deserve better and I will not stand for these deceptive business practices in Arkansas.”
The consent judgment, which was filed in Pulaski County Circuit Court, includes $31,672.22 in restitution and $10,000 in civil penalties.
Rutledge filed a consumer-protection lawsuit against Alert America in August.