Missouri’s attorney general is suing to stop a Washington State firm from sending sales pitches that look like bills.

Attorney General Chris Koster has filed a suit against DNS Services, Inc., doing business as DNS, and its president, Glenn Loehr.

Koster alleged that DNS sent solicitations to Missouri consumers regarding its internet back-up service that were formatted like an invoice or bill for payment.

He says the fliers had a perforated section to return that read, “Thank you for your payment” and “Please detach and return this portion with your payment.”

Koster said many consumers that received DNS’s solicitation were deceived by the language and form, believing it to be a bill for services previously agreed to by the consumer rather than an advertisement.

“My office will not tolerate attempts to deceive consumers with misleading or unethical advertisements,” Koster said. “Consumers who were deceived by DNS should contact my office to file a complaint.”

Koster is seeking a court order prohibiting DNS and Loehr from sending any additional solicitations or advertisements to Missouri consumers or businesses. The suit also seeks civil penalties against the companies and restitution for any Missouri consumer who has suffered a loss.”