Magazines’ Ads Sold By Deception

Businesses that bought advertisements in several police, firefighting and veterans’ publications may be eligible for a refund.

The state attorney general’s office announced Friday that companies that sold the ads on behalf of the 16 publications used deceptive sales practices.

A and J Publishing Inc., its president, Alan J. Choder, and Leon Saja, doing business as Southwest Publishing, all have been banned from telephone soliciting in Idaho for at least five years, Attorney General Al Lance said.

Solicitors falsely led consumers to believe their purchases or donations would benefit Idaho public safety officers, Lance said. The money actually went to organizations with little, if any, benefit to state police or firefighting organizations, he said.

Consumers who bought ads from the following publications are eligible for refunds: National Reserve Peace Officers Association, Amvets Program book, Veterans Wish Book, Police News, APB - All Points Bulletin Magazine, Narcotic Journal, IAAI, Disabled Peace Officers Association, Cal. Amvets, Champions Against Gangs and Drugs, Handicapped Children’s Services of America, Disabled Peace Officers of America, National Law Enforcement Sports Federation, Police Olympics Journal, National Fire Safety Yearbook and Disabled and Retired Firefighters Journal.

Refund claims must be submitted to the attorney general’s consumer protection unit by May 25.

, DataTimes