PSC Issues $490,000 in Fines for No-Call Violations

Jackson, Mississippi (October 11, 2011) – Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley announced today that the Mississippi Public Service Commission has fined Joel Katz d/b/a Fast To Market Corp. of Baltimore Maryland, a total of $490,000 for violations of the Mississippi “No-Call” law and rules associated with enforcing the law. Presley said Katz violated the “No-Call” law by failing to register and purchase the State’s “No-Call” list and for contacting consumers that had registered on the “No-Call” list. Katz also used an automated dialing system that uses a recorded voice message that was played to the consumers. While conducting its investigation, PSC discovered that Katz is a convicted felon has been previously convicted of bankruptcy fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, and mail and wire fraud. Katz’s previous convictions also involved a telemarketing scheme which bilked at 16,000 people out of more than $1.6 million. Katz was served with notice of the PSC’s suit at his parole hearing in Maryland.

Presley said the Commission is committed to stopping the solicitations which are a nuisance and an invasion of consumer’s privacy. Consumers can register to be on the Mississippi Do Not Call list at the Commission’s website (www.psc.state.ms.us) or by telephone at 800-356-6428.