Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden has resolved a consumer protection case with a Boise telemarketer.
The settlement was reached with Vurv, LLC, and its fulfillment partner, Drug Testing Compliance Group LLC. The two companies operated nationwide as DTC Group, Wasden said.
The settlement approved this week by Fourth District Judge Jonathan Medema, requires the company to provide refunds to eligible consumers.
Wasden alleged that the telemarketer made unsolicited calls selling drug testing and other compliance services to newly-registered commercial drivers between June 2013 and December 2015.
DTC Group has denied any wrongdoing.
According to a news release, the Attorney General received complaints from consumers who believed DTC Group was affiliated with the U.S. Department of Transportation. Consumers said they were told they had to buy the drug testing services or face federal penalties.
When some consumers tried to cancel their purchases within three business days, as allowed by law, the company refused full reimbursement, Wasden said.
“At the beginning of every sales call, the telemarketer must disclose the company’s name, on whose behalf they’re calling, and exactly what is being sold,” Wasden stated. “Without proper disclosures, consumers simply can’t make informed decisions about what they’re buying.”
The Attorney General began investigating DTC Group in 2014 because the company was not registered to engage in telemarketing in the state. DTC Group later registered, but continued to generate consumer complaints about its sales and cancellation practices. The company closed in December.
Wasden said the company’s former owner is working to identify consumers eligible for refunds. Consumers who lost money to DTC Group may also file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division before Feb. 26, 2016. Consumers who want to file claims can learn more at: http://www.ag.idaho.gov/consumerProtection/settlements/settlementInformation.html
DTC Group also paid $1,500 to the Attorney General for costs of the investigation
