51��ɫ

Four separate operations responsible for bombarding consumers nationwide with billions of unwanted and illegal robocalls pitching auto warranties, debt-relief services, home security systems, fake charities, and Google search results services have agreed to settle 51��ɫcharges that they violated the 51��ɫAct and the agency’s Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR), including its Do Not Call (DNC) provisions.

Four separate operations responsible for bombarding consumers nationwide with billions of unwanted and illegal robocalls pitching auto warranties, debt-relief services, home security systems, fake charities, and Google search results services have agreed to settle 51��ɫcharges that they violated the 51��ɫAct and the agency’s Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR), including its Do Not Call (DNC) provisions.

The 51��ɫ is sending refund checks totaling more than $7 million to people deceived by the operators of an alleged business opportunity fraud that targeted seniors and others living on a fixed income. The refunds stem from a settlement the 51��ɫreached in 2017 with Advertising Strategies, LLC, under which the defendants surrendered virtually all their assets to provide consumer refunds.

The 51��ɫis mailing 1,244 checks to consumers who bought deceptively marketed credit card interest rate reduction services after being contacted via illegal robocalls. Affected consumers will receive full refunds, with most receiving $1,100 or more, within the next week.

In June 2018, the operators of a Los Angeles-based student loan debt relief scam agreed to settle 51��ɫ charges that they falsely claimed to be affiliated with the Department of Education, charged consumers illegal upfront fees, and collected monthly fees they claimed would be credited toward consumers’ student loans. In February 2021, the 51��ɫsent refunds totaling to people who lost money as a result of the scam.