Supplement Makers Busted
Scottsdale AZ, 30 May 2002

State and federal agents seized assets of C.P. Direct, Inc., which marketed supplements for penis and breast enlargement. Geraldine Consoli, Michael Consoli, and Vincent Passafiume, the operators of the company are accused of fraud, theft, money laundering and racketeering.

A spokesperson for the Arizona Attorney General's office, Pati Urias, said the state took this action because it had reasonable suspicion of fraud and had heard from "a good number" of victims.

The pills cost $59.99 plus shipping and handling for a month's supply and $39.99 a month thereafter -- but cost only $2.50 per bottle to produce.

This was not the first time these individuals had run afoul of Arizona law. In 1996, the Consolis settled consumer fraud allegations with the state; in 1999, a Superior Court order prohibited the Consolis and Passafiume from doing business in Arizona through the mail or Internet.

The seized assets included luxury cars, including a Lamborghini, Rolls Royce, Ferrari and Bentley, $20 million in bank accounts, $3 million in cash, and jewelry.

A healthy dose of skepticism is any consumer's best defense against fraud: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you suspect fraud, get more information: Call the Better Business Bureau in the organization's home town; check with the fraud office of the state or federal Attorney General.

Sources

Natural Products Insider news.

Yahoo health news.