Kline sues sci-fi convention promoter
By Richard Espinoza
The Kansas City Star
The Kansas attorney general is suing a Shawnee sci-fi convention promoter for allegedly bilking customers, but the promoter says he already refunded to everyone who complained.
In the suit filed Friday in Johnson County District Court, Phill Kline accused Slanted Fedora Entertainment, owner David Scott and his wife, Jackie Scott, of violating the Kansas Consumer Protection Act in 27 transactions. They could be fined as much as $10,000 for each violation if the allegations are proved.
David Scott, who held a convention last weekend at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center hotel, said Monday that he had paid back customers who wanted refunds. But some of the refunds went out slowly, he said, because of cash-flow problems.
Kline's suit accuses the company of repeatedly canceling conventions without refunding deposits.
Scott acknowledges rescheduling two conventions -- one because of nationwide travel problems three weeks after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks -- and canceling one. He said he gave customers the choice of refunds, credit for future conventions, or merchandise. He said the company cometimes had too little cash to immediately pay back everyone who wanted a refund.
Scott said he sometimes had to replace scheduled speakers who canceled on short notice, much like a theater sometimes replaces actors with understudies.
Finally, the suit says, the defendants double charged credit and debit cards.
Scott acknowledged that "five or six" customers were accidentally double charged, but he said they were paid back.
Scott said he has ignored advice that he file for bankruptcy to avoid financial liability.
"Instead, I continued in business, continued with what I had, paid off what I could when I could, and gave people the product they wanted," Scott said.
The Kansas attorney general wants consumers who think they have been hurt by Slanted Fedora's business practices to call (800) 432-2310.
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/local/6836182.htm