By MIKE CORN

mcorn@dailynews.net

A restraining order has halted the activities of a Hays firm that was claiming to serve as a broker for timeshare properties.

The temporary restraining order was entered against what was known as Global Resort Condos Plus and its owner, Tobias Jones. Neither Global nor Jones are listed in the Hays phone book, and it's unclear where the business was located.

Sought by Kansas Attorney General Steve Six, the Dec. 2 restraining order came with the help of the Better Business Bureau of Kansas and the Hays Police Department.

According to the BBB, a Global representative would call and indicate a consumers' timeshare had been sold or that a buyer was interested.

To complete the transaction, $1,995 to $2,050 was needed to complete the transaction, the BBB said in a statement.

Consumers said they provided a credit card number, later receiving an e-mail confirmation, only to learn the money was used to advertise the timeshare on the Internet as for sale or rent.

The restraining order contended the business had misrepresented the nature of its services to consumers, in violation of the Kansas Consumer Protection Act and the Kansas telemarketing fraud law.

After receiving numerous calls, the Better Business Bureau contacted the Kansas Attorney General's office and the Hays Police Department for assistance.