Arizona sues Phoenix boutique for allegedly ripping off brides-to-be
Sep 21, 2018, 12:25 PM
PHOENIX – The state of Arizona has filed a civil suit against a Phoenix bridal boutique and its owners for allegedly taking thousands of dollars in prepayments and then closing before fulfilling orders.
According to the lawsuit, Pearl Bridal collected more than $277,000 for 286 orders before closing shop in May without having delivered the promised wedding gowns and other apparel.
“They took their money for deposits on these dresses and then they basically disappeared without delivering the dresses, or delivering dresses that were not the type that were promised to the victims,” Attorney General Mark Brnovich told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Friday.
The suit also alleges that the owners, married couple Erica and Tyson Miltenberger, falsely advertised that the dresses were custom made when in fact they were selling mass-produced products that were cheaply made in China.
RELATED STORIES
“Obviously a wedding should be a great day of celebration, and there’s already enough stress going on in your life when you’re getting married,” Brnovich said.
“You shouldn’t have to worry about getting ripped off on your wedding dress or not having your wedding dress there when you’re ready to take the walk down the aisle.”
The lawsuit, which was filed in Maricopa County Superior Court on Wednesday, is asking for the return of all the money collected for unfulfilled orders as well as fines of not more than $10,000 for each willful violation of the Arizona Consumer Fraud act.
“We want to get restitution back for every victim,” Brnovich said.
Brnovich said he’s been led to believe the Miltenbergers have left the state, but that won’t stop him from pursuing the case.
He also asked any other possible victims of Pearl Bridal – or other alleged consumer scams — to contact his office.
KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Griselda Zetino contributed to this report.
