Minnesota Attorney General's Office
1400 Bremer Tower
445 Minnesota Street
St. Paul, MN 55101
(651) 296-3353
(800) 657-3787
M - F 8 am - 5 pm
TTY:(651) 297-7206
TTY:(800) 366-4812
Press Release
Friday, November 2, 2012
MINNESOTA ATTORNEY GENERAL SUES LOCAL COIN DEALER FOR TAKING PEOPLE’S MONEY AND NOT DELIVERING MERCHANDISE
Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson today filed a lawsuit against a Minnesota coin dealer for charging people tens of thousands of dollars for gold, silver, and other coins and then not delivering the coins.
“We have seen instances where disreputable coin dealers defraud consumers by inflating the value of coins or not delivering them. People should exercise caution before sending money to dealers who aggressively pursue them to invest in coins,” said Attorney General Lori Swanson.
The lawsuit was filed in Ramsey County District Court against Tiffany Grady, individually and doing business as The Stella Group. It alleges that they violated state consumer fraud and deceptive trade practices laws. For example:
- An 82 year old woman received an unsolicited call from The Stella Group, which convinced her to pay $12,000 for 10 coins in May, 2012. Two days later, the woman was admitted to the hospital and then a nursing home. The coins were never delivered.
- A 63 year old man wired Grady $62,500 in July, 2012 for coins after Grady called him and said she had a “good deal” on coins. The coins were never delivered.
- A 66 year old man received repeated calls from The Stella Group, which eventually convinced him to wire $14,000 for 10 coins in June 2012, promising that the coins would be delivered within two weeks. The coins were never delivered.
The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office has published a consumer alert entitled: “Beware of Fraudulent Gold Coin Dealers,” that is available on the Office’s website at: www.ag.state.mn.us/Consumer/Publications/FraudulentGoldCoinDealers.asp.
Consumers who have experienced problems with The Stella Group or another coin dealer may file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office by calling (651) 296-3353 or (800) 657-3787. Consumers may also download a Complaint Form from by clicking here and mail the completed form to the Attorney General's Office at: 1400 Bremer Tower, 445 Minnesota Street, St. Paul, MN 55101-2131.
Individuals who wish to file a consumer complaint may contact the Minnesota Attorney General's Office by calling 1-800-657-3787 or 651-296-3353. Consumers may also download a Complaint Form from by clicking here and mail the completed form to the Attorney General's Office at: 1400 Bremer Tower, 445 Minnesota Street, St. Paul, MN 55101-2131.
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