# American Telnet

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**American TelNet** (ATN) was an American [1-900](/source/1-900) telephone number company formed c. 1992, operated by Abraham (Michael) Pardes (COO), Michael Self, Howard Markowitz (CFO), and Ted Liebowitz (CEO). It operated [phone sex](/source/Phone_sex) lines, as well as [psychic hotlines](/source/Psychic_hotlines) for Zodiac and American Psychic.[1]

ATN settled a lawsuit with the [Federal Trade Commission](/source/Federal_Trade_Commission) in 1999 for $39 million over [cramming](/source/Cramming_(fraud)) practices. A previous $2.5 million settlement was reached with FTC in 1994.[2][3][4][5]

By 2003 the company had overcharged the psychic hotlines and was beginning to become insolvent. The company dissolved in 2006. At that time Liebowitz owned 53% of the company, Pardes owned 39%, and Markowitz owned 5%.[1]

## References

1. In re American Telnet Inc, Kenneth Welt v Michael Pardes, Ted Liebowitz, Sara Liebowitz, and Gavin Kahn

1. ["$39 Million For Consumer Redress in American TelNet Settlement"](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/1999/06/39-million-consumer-redress-american-telnet-settlement). *Federal Trade Commission*. 10 June 1999. Retrieved 23 November 2021.

1. ["1995 Annual Report"](https://www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/documents/reports_annual/annual-report-1995/ar1995_0.pdf). *ftc.gov*. Retrieved 23 November 2021.

1. Andy Newman (25 August 1999). ["Company Pays $100,000 Over Phone-Billing Complaints"](https://www.nytimes.com/1999/08/25/nyregion/company-pays-100000-over-phone-billing-complaints.html). *[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times)*. Retrieved 23 November 2021.

1. Sharon Walsh (2 December 1994). ["OPERATOR OF SEX-TALK LINES FINED"](https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1994/12/02/operator-of-sex-talk-lines-fined/9ac11a96-3b77-42b4-a63d-49d24f935ea5/). *Washington Post*. Retrieved 24 November 2021.

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