AIDS Card Club in Minnesota Is Accused of Fraud
Minnesota Atty. Gen. Hubert H. Humphrey III filed suit Friday against an AIDS card club named “I’m Free,” charging it with consumer fraud for claiming that none of its nationwide membership has the deadly disease.
Humphrey said that to make the claim, a foolproof test for acquired immune deficiency syndrome would have to exist, but “no test is available to the general public that can directly detect the AIDS virus.”
He said the club has “no control over ‘I’m Free’ members’ behavior and can give no guarantee that members will not contract the AIDS virus after they submit an application.”
The firm sells six-month memberships in return for $50 and a medical form from a physician indicating a negative result to an AIDS antibody test. Members get an “I’m Free” inscribed lapel pin, identification card and newsletters. The clubs sells both single and family memberships.
“ ‘I’m Free’ is playing on fears of contracting this deadly disease by promising a simple, worry-free solution that it simply can’t deliver,” Humphrey said.
The suit was filed in Hennepin County District Court against the company and its controller, Anders Migdaleck, both of Medeira Beach, Fla., and a national marketing director, Watis Anderson of Memphis, Tenn. There was no comment from company officials.
Humphrey said he wants to stop activities of “I’m Free” in Minnesota, have previous membership payments refunded and impose a civil penalty.
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