Attorney General Gansler’s Consumer Protection Division
Sues National Awards Service Advisory, LLC to Halt Deceptive Prize Promotion

BALTIMORE, MD ( March 8, 2010) - Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler announced today that the Consumer Protection Division has charged a Las Vegas company, National Awards Service Advisory, LLC, (also known as Prize Information Bureau and State of Maryland Commissioners of Registration), and the company’s owner, Geovanni Sorino, with engaging in unfair and deceptive trade practices in connection with its mail solicitations representing that consumers were eligible to receive cash prizes as high as $3,400,000.

According to the charges that were filed, the company sent mass mailings to Maryland consumers promising large cash prizes. However, when consumers paid fees (usually in the amount of $20) to claim their prizes, instead of receiving any cash payments, they were sent lists of sweepstakes and prize offerings where they could separately enter to win prizes.

The Division contends in its charges that the mailings were deceptive and is seeking an order requiring the company and its owner to cease sending deceptive prize offers to Marylanders, return the fees collected, and to pay penalties and costs.

“It is tempting to believe promises of big winnings that appear to come from an official agency,” said Attorney General Gansler. “But consumers should be wary of these kinds of sweepstakes and never pay money in order to receive a prize.”

A public hearing on the charges is scheduled for Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. at the Office of Administrative Hearings, 11101 Gilroy Road in Hunt Valley. Consumers who wish to contact the Consumer Protection Division regarding this matter may call (410)576-6577.