The News and Observer ran a story this morning about rival newspaper The Carrboro Citizen asking for a small business loan from the Town of Carrboro. In the online version of the story, the newspaper’s name is mentioned (emphasis mine):

The Carrboro Citizen’s plans buck two trends. Across the U.S., newspapers are printing fewer copies as circulation and advertising revenues decline. At the same time, many recoil at the suggestion of government aid such as that granted to other industries.

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I learned today that last week the Federal Trade Commission filed suit against a telemarketing company and a car warranty company allegedly involved in the car warranty robocalls. According to the FTC press release:

The complaints were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on May 14, 2009. The complaint against the robocaller names as defendants a Florida-based company called Voice Touch Inc., and two of its principals, James and Maureen Dunne. It also names an Illinois-based company affiliated with Voice Touch called Network Foundations, LLC and a principal in that company, Damian Kohlfeld. The second complaint names a Florida-based company called Transcontinental Warranty Inc., which sells extended auto warranties, and the company’s president and CEO, Christopher D. Cowart.

That’s all fine and good, but these names do not match up with the documents sent to me by people who were unlucky enough to purchase the warranties. Those documents clearly say “Great Atlantic Warranty.” So, while some enforcement is better than none, I’m afraid there are some bandits still to be rounded up.

This morning I noticed my work against car warranty scammers has garnered the attention of readers of the New York Times blog. Apparently, Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has been getting the calls as well. Schumer is calling for a national investigation.

For Schumer and any others who may be interested, I have collected a lot of evidence regarding these calls (browse my Meddling category for examples). I have also tried to get the North Carolina Attorney General’s office interested as well as the Florida Attorney General’s office. The result has been absolutely no action. No response, nothing. It seems that no one cares. Meanwhile there are plenty of little old ladies who have been bilked $3000 for a car warranty that in some cases exceeds the worth of their cars.

Should you be visiting my site for the first time and are in a position to actually do something about these shady calls, contact me and I’ll give you enough information to gain a warrant or subpoena.

Isn’t this exciting? I’m going to get $12.5M !

Date: Thu, 9 Apr 2009 07:06:17 -0400 (EDT)
From: PATRICK CHAN innocent.emailaddress@someuniversity.fake
Subject: Contact email: pat.ch01@8u8.com
To: undisclosed-recipients:;

I’m Mr Patrick Chan, i have a proposal of $12.5M,please contact me by email: pat.ch01@8u8.com

Gosh, this sounds like my dream job!!11!1!!

From: “John Erskine” g.galtier@orange .fr
Subject: Employment offer
Date: Sat, 28 Mar 2009 14:38:13 -0800

Dear Sir/Madam,

Global sources limited is a registered group of business agency, that deals on trade merchandize, we have a wide range of clientele across the world, we are experts in trade distribution and product marketing, having scored a distinction as to earn the much revered title, “Asian trade giants”.

Distributed products as follows;

Electronics, A/V Care, Accessories & Services • Audio Equipment • Personal/Office • Furnishings • Furniture • Health & Medical • Household Supplies • Kitchenware • Beauty Products & Cosmetics • Jewelry • Men’s & Women’s Shoes & Accessories • Watches &
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