Iowa Attorney General, Tom Miller, has asked a judge to shut down a number of Quad Cities-based advertising companies who are accused of defrauding small businesses across the country. A lawsuit was filed in December against Alphonso Barnum of Davenport, his wife, mother and several limited liability corporations. The suit alleges Barnum’s businesses use deception, confusion and high-pressure tactics to sell advertisements for direct-mail pieces and promotional materials, such as high school sports posters and city information guides. In many reported cases, no products were ever delivered. An amended lawsuit was filed this past week asking the courts for a temporary and permanent injunction to prevent the defendants from conducting business. “The defendants have again changed their name to avoid detection,” the petition says. “Despite a lawsuit filed against them alleging fraudulent practices, defendants have continued, if not increased, their unlawful practices in this nationwide scam.”
