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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, Sept. 28, 2006      
CONTACT: Leah Mohr, South Dakota Public Utilities Commission, (605) 773-3201

Public Utilities Commission warns of billing scam

PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission is issuing a warning to small businesses, in the visitor industry in particular, of improper billing practices by a company known as eChurch Network.

The PUC heard from several business owners this week who received an invoice from eChurch Network for services not ordered by the business. Each complainant received an invoice listing a $50 charge for a one-minute long distance telephone call. The invoice lists an Addison, Texas, address for the company.

Any business owner or consumer who receives an improper invoice from eChurch Network is urged to report this to the PUC Consumer Affairs Division by calling Toll-Free 1-800-332-1782 or sending an e-mail to pucconsumerinfo@state.sd.us.

The PUC is investigating all complaints against the company.

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