Mo. attorney general settles with home-security solicitors

Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster said yesterday he reached settlements with two out-of-state telemarketing firms over alleged violations of the Show-Me State's no-call and telemarketing laws.

Combined, North Carolina-based ISI Alarms NC Inc. and Florida-based JVersacio Corp. - as well as owner Joseph Versacio - agreed to pay $17,500 in civil penalties. The firms could face up to $200,000 in penalties if they violate the terms of the agreement, according to a news release.

The settlements resolve suits filed by Koster's office in March, following hundreds of consumer complaints that calls were made to their phones in an attempt to sell home security products.

In its solicitations, ISI Alarms allegedly told Missourians the FBI had reported break-ins and burglaries in their neighborhoods. JVersacio Corp., which operated as Central Security, was charged with making thousands of automated robocalls to sell home-security systems to residents on Missouri's no-call list. According to the release, several Missouri residents reported receiving additional calls even after following instructions on how to remove their numbers from further communications.

Under the terms of the settlements, the companies are prohibited from making telemarketing calls to Missouri residents without prior written consent. ISA Alarms agreed to pay the state $10,000, and JVersacio will pay $7,500. Each firm could face a $100,000 fine apiece if they violate the agreement, according to the release.

“Home-security businesses that solicit customers by misrepresenting local crime statistics are among the highest sources of consumer complaints to my office’s no-call hotline,” Koster said in the release. “These two companies repeatedly harassed consumers with a misleading sales pitch.

"We will continue to take swift action to protect Missouri consumers from these unwanted calls.”