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Cuomo Follows in Spitzer’s A.G. Footsteps, Tackling the Big Issues

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Photo: Getty Images

A press release issued yesterday afternoon by Andrew Cuomo’s Attorney General’s Office:

Department of Law, The State Capitol, Albany, NY 12224

Department of Law, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271

News from Attorney General Andrew Cuomo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Press Office / 212-416-XXXX

ONTARIO COUNTY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER BANNED FOR FAILING TO DELIVER PHOTOS AND DECEIVING CONSUMERS

NEW YORK, NY (January 31, 2007) – Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo announced today that his office obtained a court order against an Ontario County photographer, Karen Record, who repeatedly deceived customers and falsely represented her credentials. Ms. Record is the owner and operator of Fluture Imaging, Inc., which offered photography services for engagement and bridal portraits, wedding albums, and school photographs.


Beginning in January of 2006, the Attorney General’s office received more than 30 complaints about Fluture Imaging and Ms. Record. Many alleged that Ms. Record failed to deliver prepaid photographs and albums, refused to provide refunds, and neglected to respond to customer phone calls, e-mails, and letters. Other complaints alleged that the items she did produce were delivered late.

According to a petition filed by the Attorney General’s office, Ms. Record also repeatedly represented to consumers that she was a member of the Professional Photographers’ Society of New York State, even though she had discontinued her membership a year prior to founding Fluture Imaging.

Cuomo said, “Consumers who relied on this individual to provide lasting images of the most important events of their lives were deceived and cheated. Photographs, wedding albums, and DVD slide shows weren’t delivered to customers who had paid for these items. Because of this action today, some families will receive their photographs, others will receive financial compensation, and New Yorkers won’t be victimized by this individual in the future.”

The consent decree, signed by Ontario County Acting State Supreme Court Justice William F. Kocher, banned Ms. Record from the photography business in New York State unless she posts a $50,000 performance bond. The order also requires her to pay over $7,400 in restitution to customers and $3,000 in penalties and costs. She also must produce and deliver prepaid, but undelivered, photographs, negatives, wedding albums, portraits, and DVD slide shows to 18 customers. Ms. Record will relinquish her ownership rights and copyrights for these images to those consumers.

Past customers of Fluture Imaging who file complaints by Friday, March 23, 2007, may still be eligible to receive restitution. These customers are directed to call the Attorney General’s Consumer Help Line at (800) 771-7755 or the Attorney General’s Rochester Regional Office at (585) 546-7430.

This case was handled by Assistant Attorney General Carlos Rodriguez and Supervising Investigator Chris R. Holland, both of the Rochester Regional Office.

Cuomo Follows in Spitzer’s A.G. Footsteps, Tackling the Big Issues