Iowa Attorney General, Tom Miller, has announced that all Iowans who purchased the “Miracle Scraper” ice scraper, including those who were unknowingly enrolled in an auto club membership, will be receiving refunds. A settlement was recently reached with Robert Alan Henry Schermerhorn of Dunedin, Fla., seller of the funnel-shaped plastic scraper. Miller alleged in the suit filed last August that Schermerhorn had violated the Iowa Buyer Club Memberships Law and engaged in deceptive and unfair billing practices. This also violated the Iowa Consumer Fraud Act. The scrapers were sold for as little as $19.97 each, but consumers who made the purchases were then automatically enrolled in the VIP Auto Discount Club. This came with a monthly charge of $9.95 for which the buyer had not given an informed consent. The Better Business Bureau has received more than 1,000 complaints from consumers across the United States who are alleging similar fraudulent billing behavior. Iowa is the first and only state so far to take action against Schermerhorn. Those believing they are eligible for compensation from this case, can get more information from the Attorney General’s office through the contact points included here.
_____________________________________
Website: www.IowaAttorneyGeneral.gov
Email: consumer@ag.iowa.gov
Phone: 515-281-5926 (outside the Des Moines area, call toll-free: 888-777-4590)
