Schaumburg marketing firm settles complaint in Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa -- An Illinois direct marketing company has agreed to refrain from violating Iowa consumer laws and pay $225,000 to the state in deal with the attorney general.

Attorney General Tom Miller says in a news release Wednesday that it's part of a voluntary agreement with United Marketing Group of Schaumburg.

The release says UMG sells "membership programs" through arrangements with third parties over the Internet, direct mail and telemarketing.

Miller alleged UMG was charging Iowans for memberships through their credit cards or through other methods, and consumers were paying for memberships they didn't know they had.

Among other things, UMG agrees to check with its members at least once every nine months to ensure they are aware of their membership and fees.

A company spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Iowa consumers who suspect they were taken advantage of by a buying club can contact the Consumer Protection Division of the attorney general's office at consumer@iowa.gov.