Attorney General announces judgement against web-based retailers who sold defective products and refused to provide refunds

Apr. 4, 2019 (DENVER, Colo.)—Attorney General Phil Weiser announced today that his office has obtained a $431,857.37 judgment against Jeffrey Bianchini and his son, Anthony, who sold second-hand cable boxes and modems through several websites.

The Bianchinis—who did business under the names Broadway TV, JAM Enterprises, Thornton Cable, and DVR Cable Boxes—assured consumers that they would save hundreds of dollars by purchasing cable boxes from the Bianchinis rather than renting them from their cable providers. And the Bianchinis offered a no-questions-asked money-back guarantee.

Contrary to the Bianchinis’ promises, their cable boxes and modems frequently did not work as advertised. When consumers attempted to contact the Bianchinis for technical support or for information about the refund process, the Bianchinis ignored them. The average consumer paid $231 to the Bianchinis, and Jeffrey Bianchini admitted that he owes $60,000 in refunds. Along with the $60,000 in restitution, the Bianchinis must pay $248,787 in penalties, and they must pay the Attorney General’s fees and costs, which total $123,070.37. Defendants are permanently enjoined from advertising or selling cable boxes.

The Bianchinis sold their products in every state except Colorado. Consumers from states such as New Jersey testified about how difficult it was to get a refund from a company based in Colorado.

“Some scammers think they can escape accountability by directing their fraudulent activities at other states. That’s not how we do business in Colorado, and my office will not allow fraudulent businesses to operate here,” said Weiser. “We will continue to aggressively prosecute any bad actor who engages in this type of fraudulent activity. After all, when irresponsible businesses engage in deceptive trade practices, it undermines trust among consumers and is a form of unfair competition to responsible companies.”

At various times since 2010, the Bianchinis ran their business from their residences in Denver, Englewood, Thornton, and Pueblo. The State’s Complaint is here..

###

CONTACT
Lawrence Pacheco, Director of Communications
(720) 508-6553 office | (720) 245-4689 cell
Email: Lawrence.pacheco@coag.gov