ATTORNEY GENERAL ANNOUNCES TWO OIL SPILL-RELATED INVESTIGATIONS

 TALLAHASSEE, FL- Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced his office
 has launched investigations into two companies over allegations they
 offered free emergency response training to consumers, but then withheld
 the certifications for various reasons.  Hazardous Waste Operations and
 Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER) training is required by anyone who
 is exposed or potentially exposed to hazardous substances while on the
 job, including those hired to assist with the Deepwater Horizon cleanup
 response.

 “When disasters strike, fraud follows closely behind, and my office will
 remain vigilant in our consumer protection actions,” said Attorney General
 McCollum. “Consumers who have any complaints about fraud or scams related
 to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill should report to my office
 immediately.”

 According to complaints, Clearwater-based Able Body Labor and Panama
 City-based Southern Cat, Inc., both advertised the HAZWOPER training as
 free but at the end of the training the companies withheld the
 certifications. Additionally, some of the complaints allege that at the
 end of the course, consumers had to pay $150 to $450 in order to receive
 their certification.

 Since the investigation began, Able Body Labor has changed its disclosure
 procedures and is fully cooperating with the Attorney General’s Office.
 Southern Cat, Inc. was recently served with an investigative subpoena
 seeking documents to determine whether or not violations of the Florida
 statutes have occurred. Both investigations are ongoing.

 The Attorney General’s Economic Crimes Division is continuing to
 investigate all oil spill-related complaints involving potential
 violations of the Florida statutes and is working closely with local law
 enforcement and Better Business Bureau offices throughout the state on
 these issues. Additional investigations will be initiated as necessary to
 ensure consumers are protected from unfair and deceptive trade practices.
 Complaints can be reported to the Attorney General’s fraud hotline at
 1-866-766-9226 or online at http://www.myfloridalegal.com.

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