Attorney General Drew Wrigley has announced a settlement with Lake Holdings, LLC after an investigation into deceptive invoice solicitations sent to various North Dakota organizations. The mailings, which used the names Domain Networks, North Dakota Domain Directory, and My Safe Domain, were distributed to small businesses, public entities, churches, and non-profit groups in the state.
The Consumer Protection and Antitrust Division of the Attorney General’s office found that Lake Holdings mailed documents resembling legitimate invoices to recipients who had not ordered or authorized any services. The solicitations included formal billing language and payment deadlines, leading recipients to believe they were required to pay for services from their website domain provider or registrar.
“Churches, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses work hard to serve their communities, often with limited staff and resources,” said Wrigley. “These entities should not be subjected to deceptive marketing practices that abuse their trust or exploit their limited resources or staff turnover.” He also noted: “This settlement ensures that the company is held accountable and prevents it from continuing practices that exploit organizations that are working hard to serve our communities. In addition, the settlement will allow any North Dakota entity that was misled into making payments to Domain Networks, North Dakota Domain Directory, or My Safe Domain, an opportunity to recover the money lost.”
Under the terms of the agreement—reached without Lake Holdings admitting wrongdoing—the company must notify all eligible North Dakota entities about refund opportunities within thirty days. Those affected will have the option to receive a full refund.
Wrigley advised consumers and organizations in North Dakota to carefully check all invoices for legitimacy before making payments. Anyone who believes they have received a deceptive invoice solicitation can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection and Antitrust Division through its official website (www.attorneygeneral.nd.gov) or by calling 701-328-3404.
The division continues its mission of enforcing consumer protection laws in North Dakota related to misleading sales or advertising practices.
