Archive for 'Scams'
14849% Profits in Red-Hot Penny Stocks! … Or Go Bankrupt – Investorplace.com
January 26th, 2012. Published under Fraud, Political Scams, Scams. No Comments.
Investorplace.com 14849% Profits in Red-Hot Penny Stocks! … Or Go Bankrupt Investorplace.com Many of these stocks trade off major exchanges like the NYSE or Nasdaq for a reason. Fraud is too common: Enron cooked the books brazenly to fool investors, but if you're a small outfit, all you have to do is come up with a few hundred grand here and …
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14849% Profits in Red-Hot Penny Stocks! … Or Go Bankrupt – Investorplace.com
Top scams of 2011 in Tehama County – Red Bluff Daily News
January 14th, 2012. Published under Political Scams, Scams. No Comments.
Top scams of 2011 in Tehama County Red Bluff Daily News The glitch was that this letter was not from the government and was from a company trying to scam people into buying an overpriced carbon monoxide detector. One woman had to go get her check out of the mailbox after she read about the scam in the … and more
No surprise: US Chamber Pushes Keystone XL Scam – It’s Getting Hot In Here
January 12th, 2012. Published under Political Scams, Scams. No Comments.
No surprise: US Chamber Pushes Keystone XL Scam It’s Getting Hot In Here No, Tom, real leaders stand up to Big Oil and protect the American people from scams like Keystone XL, a fuse to the “largest carbon bomb in North America,” the Canadian tar sands. But it's no surprise, I guess, that the US Chamber of Commerce isn't … and more
Case Dismissed Against Santa Barbara Woman Accused in Money Order Scam – Noozhawk
January 5th, 2012. Published under Fraud, Money Order Scams, Scams. No Comments.
Case Dismissed Against Santa Barbara Woman Accused in Money Order Scam Noozhawk Ingram said police have no information on related cases, but the fraudulent money order scam is very common in the United States. He said Nigeria is the source of many of the scams, but it's rare that the mailings come directly from that country, … and more
Nigerian Money Order Scams Hit Close to Home with Santa Barbara Arrest – Noozhawk
January 4th, 2012. Published under Fraud, Money Order Scams, Scams. No Comments.
Nigerian Money Order Scams Hit Close to Home with Santa Barbara Arrest Noozhawk Ingram said police have no information on related cases, but the fraudulent money order scam is very common in the United States. He said Nigeria is the source of many of the scams, but it's rare that the mailings come directly from that country, …
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Nigerian Money Order Scams Hit Close to Home with Santa Barbara Arrest – Noozhawk
THE DISPATCH – Columbus Dispatch
November 6th, 2011. Published under Political Scams, Scams. No Comments.
THE DISPATCH Columbus Dispatch If you get a call purportedly from the fire department recommending a chimney-cleaning company, it's a scam , warns the Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio. The scam , which is just one of the scams working its way across central Ohio, involves con … and more
Veterans’ groups are frustrated by scams that prey on patriotism – TheDay.com
August 14th, 2011. Published under Political Scams, Scams. No Comments.
Veterans' groups are frustrated by scams that prey on patriotism TheDay.com When he saw a man soliciting donations at a table decorated with pictures of veterans outside a Manchester grocery store recently, Rusty Meek suspected a scam . The man had no insignia for the Veterans of Foreign Wars nor the …
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Veterans’ groups are frustrated by scams that prey on patriotism – TheDay.com
Beware hot air from conmen touting carbon credit scams – Mirror.co.uk (blog)
August 3rd, 2011. Published under Political Scams, Scams. No Comments.
Beware hot air from conmen touting carbon credit scams Mirror.co.uk (blog) Carbon credit trading schemes. Sounds dull, but to conmen they are an exciting new way to snatch your savings. Watchdog the Financial Services Authority is getting more and more calls from … Regulator warns over carbon trading schemes Citywire.co.uk FSA issues warning over carbon credit schemes FT Adviser all 5 news articles
LSE seals £15m reporting system deal with FSA – Telegraph.co.uk
August 3rd, 2011. Published under Political Scams, Scams. No Comments.
Telegraph.co.uk LSE seals £15m reporting system deal with FSA Telegraph.co.uk Meanwhile, the FSA has issued its first warning about carbon credit trading scams . The City watchdog is warning retail investors about bogus firms promoting carbon credit trading schemes. The warning follows an upsurge in investors filing complaints … and more
Greenwashing: Corporations target Indian country with scams – The NarcoSphere
August 2nd, 2011. Published under Political Scams, Scams. No Comments.
The NarcoSphere Greenwashing: Corporations target Indian country with scams The NarcoSphere Native Americans are now being duped into the carbon market, entering into the carbon credits scam , which allows the world's worst polluters to continue polluting. The carbon market scheme also seizes Indigenous Peoples forests and other resources …
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Greenwashing: Corporations target Indian country with scams – The NarcoSphere
Costa del Sol cons and scams – Olive Press
July 24th, 2011. Published under Political Scams, Scams. No Comments.
Costa del Sol cons and scams Olive Press One of the latest scams involves schemes to buy so-called carbon credits . These essentially use the same tactics as boiler room scams , but selling a different product. In one case, an elderly woman agreed to purchase 4000 euros worth of carbon credits …
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Costa del Sol cons and scams – Olive Press
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Carbon tax: Emissions trading – the reality. – Cumberland Courier Newspapers
July 21st, 2011. Published under Political Scams, Scams. No Comments.
Cumberland Courier Newspapers Carbon tax: Emissions trading – the reality. Cumberland Courier Newspapers In 2020, under the government's own forecasts, about $3.5 billion worth of carbon credits will have to be purchased from foreign carbon traders if our emissions reduction targets are to be met. As these scams show, emissions reduction can easily turn … and more
scams have started: watchdog – The Australian
July 14th, 2011. Published under Political Scams, Scams. No Comments.
scams have started: watchdog The Australian CRIMINALS are already trying to cash in on the carbon tax by attempting to trick pensioners into giving details of their bank accounts for a $5000 ” carbon compo” payment. Just a day after Julia Gillard declared she would not tolerate companies “ripping … and more
scams have started: watchdog – The Australian
July 14th, 2011. Published under Political Scams, Scams. No Comments.
scams have started: watchdog The Australian CRIMINALS are already trying to cash in on the carbon tax by attempting to trick pensioners into giving details of their bank accounts for a $5000 ” carbon compo” payment. Just a day after Julia Gillard declared she would not tolerate companies “ripping … and more
Gore launches campaign to expose ‘full truth’ behind climate change – The Hill (blog)
July 12th, 2011. Published under Political Scams, Scams. No Comments.
Gore launches campaign to expose 'full truth' behind climate change The Hill (blog) BY Gore is a Scamster on 07/12/2011 at 10:19 The Algore stands to lose mega bucks if cap and trade isn't implemented. He should go to Alaska and pet a Polar Bear. The bear would put Algore out of our misery. BY tar ball on 07/12/2011 at 10:20 Gore … and more
Business Briefs: N. American Financial plans to go public – Winston-Salem Journal
June 25th, 2011. Published under Political Scams, Scams. No Comments.
Business Briefs: N. American Financial plans to go public Winston-Salem Journal They operate by obtaining people's personal information, and then using it to try to trick them into paying debts they don't really owe. To report debt-collection scams, all (877) 5NO- SCAM or go to www.ncdoj.gov. and more
CROOKS STEAL BILLIONS IN TAX PAYMENT SCAM – Express.co.uk
June 4th, 2011. Published under Fraud, Political Scams, Scams. No Comments.
CROOKS STEAL BILLIONS IN TAX PAYMENT SCAM Express.co.uk But since the crackdown fraudsters have evolved new ways to cash in on tax rebates and developed new scams , like carbon offsetting and green tax. They export and import carbon credits to claim tax rebates. Francis Maude, Minister for the Cabinet Office …
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CROOKS STEAL BILLIONS IN TAX PAYMENT SCAM – Express.co.uk
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How to Avoid Contractor Scams When Rebuilding or Remodeling – WalletPop
May 31st, 2011. Published under Political Scams, Scams. No Comments.
How to Avoid Contractor Scams When Rebuilding or Remodeling WalletPop This is another sure-fire sign of a scam contractor. If you're getting money from your insurer to do home repairs or upgrades, the Federal Trade Commission suggests that you never sign your insurance check over to a contractor. …
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How to Avoid Contractor Scams When Rebuilding or Remodeling – WalletPop
Refunds Totaling More Than $11.8 Million to Consumers Defrauded by Q-Ray Bracelet Scam
May 6th, 2011. Published under Fraud, Scams. No Comments.
An administrator working for the Federal Trade Commission is mailing 248,931 refund checks to consumers defrauded by QT Inc., Q-Ray Company, and Bio-Metal, Inc., and their owner, Que Te Park, also known as Andrew Q. Park, who made false and misleading advertising claims that the Q-Ray bracelet provided immediate and significant pain relief and deceptively advertised their refund policy. More than $11.8 million is being returned to people who purchased the Q-Ray bracelet and filed a claim form. Purchasers will receive an average of about $47. Consumers who receive the checks should cash them by mid-June 2011. The FTC never requires consumers to pay money or provide information before redress checks can be cashed. Q-Ray consumers with questions should call the redress administrator, Analytics Inc., at 800-269-0056 or visit the FTC’s Q-Ray bracelet webpage . Source: FTC Federal Trade Commission v. QT, Inc.; Q-Ray, Company; Bio-Metal, Inc.; Que Te Park, also known as Andrew Q. Park; and Jung Joo Park (Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division) .
Report Finds 60 Percent Increase in Pharmaceutical Industry Deals That Delay Consumers’ Access to Lower-Cost Generic Drugs
May 3rd, 2011. Published under Business Scams, Scams. No Comments.
Pharmaceutical companies struck an unprecedented number of deals in Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 in which the manufacturers of branded products paid potential generic rivals and generic companies agreed to defer the introduction of lower-cost medicines for American consumers, according to an overview of industry data released by the staff of the Federal Trade Commission . The FTC staff report found that the number of these deals skyrocketed more than 60 percent, from 19 in FY 2009 to 31 in FY 2010. Overall, the agreements reached in the latest fiscal year involved 22 different brand-name pharmaceutical products with combined annual U.S. sales of about $9.3 billion. “Collusive deals to keep generics off the market are already costing consumers and taxpayers $3.5 billion a year in higher drug prices,” said FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz. “The increasing number of these deals is a win-win proposition for the pharmaceutical industry, but a lose-lose for everyone else.” Millions of Americans rely on generic drugs to make medicine affordable, and generics also help hold down costs for taxpayer-funded health programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. Generic prices are typically at least 20 to 30 percent less than the name-brand drugs, and in some cases are up to 90 percent cheaper. In recent years, certain brand-name companies have paid generic challengers to settle their patent challenges and delay the introduction of lower-cost medicines. An FTC staff study has found that such settlements that include a payment delay generic entry by 17 months longer on average than those that do not include a payment. The FTC has challenged a number of these patent settlement agreements in court, contending that they are anticompetitive and violate U.S. antitrust laws. The agency also has supported legislation in Congress that would prohibit settlements that increase the cost of prescription drugs. Source: FTC
FTC Sends Refund Checks to Victims of Wal-Mart Shopping Spree Scam
April 29th, 2011. Published under Fraud, Scams. No Comments.
This week, an administrator working for the Federal Trade Commission began mailing checks to more than 172,000 consumers nationwide who were defrauded by a scam in which consumers were falsely promised free gifts such as shopping sprees, movie passes, and gas vouchers and wrongfully paid monthly fees for “program memberships” in discount buying and travel clubs. Consumers who were victims of the “Wal-Mart Shopping Spree” scam will receive a total of more than $3 million in refunds. These are legitimate checks, and the FTC urges consumers to cash them. In this 2008 case, known as Universal Premium Services, Inc. , the court banned Brian K. McGregor, the architect of the scheme, from telemarketing and selling program memberships. McGregor and Membership Services Direct, Inc., also known as Continuity Partners, Inc., were ordered to pay $28.2 million. The amount of money consumers receive from the redress administrator will vary, depending on how much they lost in the scam. The average check will be for about $18 per consumer. The redress administrator will mail checks directly to eligible consumers. The refund checks must be cashed within 60 days of receipt, or they will become void. Consumers should call 1-866-783-5589 with any questions or click on the Internet link here . The FTC never requires the payment of money up front, or the provision of additional information, before consumers cash refund checks issued to them. Source: FTC Federal Trade Commission, Plaintiff, v. UNIVERSAL PREMIUM SERVICES, INC., a California corporation (also known as Premier Benefits Inc.); CONSUMER REWARD NETWORK , INC., a California corporation; STAR COMMUNICATIONS LLC, a California limited liability company; MEMBERSHIP SERVICES DIRECT, INC., a Nevada corporation (also known as Continuity Partners, Inc.); CONNECT2USA, INC., a Nevada corporation; BRIAN K. MACGREGOR; HARIJINDER SIDHU; JOSEPH F. LAROSA, JR.; PRANOT SANGPRASIT; WILLIAM THOMAS HEICHERT; MICHAEL HOWARD CUSHING; PAUL P. TOSI.; MANH D. CAO; Midwest Properties, Inc. and Christine MacGregor, Defendants. (United States District Court Central District of California) Civil Action No.: CV06 0849; FTC Matter No.: 052 3153
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FTC Sends Refund Checks to Victims of Wal-Mart Shopping Spree Scam
Buyer beware: The Proactive Investors guide to the City’s most devious scams – Proactive Investors UK
April 24th, 2011. Published under Political Scams, Scams. No Comments.
Proactive Investors UK Buyer beware: The Proactive Investors guide to the City's most devious scams Proactive Investors UK They may have ended up with something that they will never be able to get rid of because the shares trade about twice a year. And what about that 100pc rise in the share price just before the unsuspecting victim of the scam bought into the company? … and more
Bud Hibbs Wants Your Junk Debt Buyer Affidavits from Debt Collection Lawsuits
April 23rd, 2011. Published under Business Scams, Scams. No Comments.
Bud Hibbs is attempting to collect affidavits to show that junk debt buyers engage in signing documents where they claim to have firsthand knowledge of the accounts and that these affidavits are routinely
Maker of Rascal Scooters to Pay $100,000 for Violating Do Not Call Law
April 21st, 2011. Published under Fraud, Scams. No Comments.
Called Consumers on Registry Using Phone Numbers Gathered From Sweepstakes Entry Forms The manufacturer of Rascal Scooters, used by disabled and senior consumers with limited mobility, will pay $100,000 to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it illegally called millions of consumers who had chosen to avoid unwanted telemarketing calls by listing their phone numbers on the national Do Not Call Registry. The FTC alleges the firm illegally used phone numbers gathered from sweepstakes entry forms to contact consumers whose numbers are on the Registry. The FTC’s complaint charges scooter manufacturer Electric Mobility Corporation and its owner Michael Flowers with making more than three million illegal sales calls since 2003 to consumers on the Do Not Call Registry who had entered the company’s “Win a Free Rascal” sweepstakes. According to the FTC, in small print under the part of the sweepstakes form provided for the entrant’s phone number, EMC reminded consumers to list their numbers so the company could contact them if they were “the next lucky winner.” EMC encourages consumers to enter its sweepstakes through direct mailing, newspapers, and television advertisements. The FTC charged that its conduct violated both the FTC Act and the Do Not Call provisions of the Telemarketing Sales Rule. The FTC’s Telemarketing Sales Rule allows a company to call a consumer on the Do Not Call Registry for up to 18 months if it has an “established business relationship” with the consumer and he or she has not asked the firm to stop calling. However, under the Rule, a company may not rely on a completed sweepstakes entry form to establish a business relationship with a consumer. In fact, the FTC consistently has said that simply obtaining a consumer’s phone number – as EMC did with its sweepstakes – does not establish a relationship that would exempt it from the Do Not Call rules. The order settling the FTC’s charges bars EMC from using sweepstakes entries as the basis for claiming an established business relationship with any consumer. The order also includes monitoring and reporting requirements to ensure that EMC complies with its terms. In addition, the order imposes civil penalties against both EMC and Flowers for their alleged violation of the FTC Act. Flowers will pay $100,000, and EMC is subject to a $2 million penalty, which is suspended based on its inability to pay. If EMC is found to have misrepresented its financial condition, the full penalty will become due immediately. Source: FTC United States of America, Plaintiff, v. Electric Mobility Corporation, doing business as Rascal Scooters, and Michael J. Flowers, individually and as an officer of Electric Mobility Corporation, Defendants (United States District Court for the District of New Jersey) Case No. 1:11-cv-02218-RMB-KMW
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Maker of Rascal Scooters to Pay $100,000 for Violating Do Not Call Law
Announcement of Filing a Class Action Lawsuit Against Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC for Alleged Violations of The Telephone Consumer Protection Act
April 19th, 2011. Published under Business Scams, Scams. No Comments.
The law firms of Turner Law Offices, LLC and Arcadier & Associates, P.A. have filed a Class Action lawsuit against Defendant Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC (“PRA”) in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida on behalf of all persons in the State of Florida who, since February 18, 2011, received a non-emergency telephone call from PRA to a cellular telephone through the use of an automatic telephone dialing system or an artificial or prerecorded voice and who did not provide prior express consent for such calls during the transaction that resulted in the debt owed. The action is captioned Karen Harvey et al. v. Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC, and is numbered 6:11-CV-00582. The law firms of Turner Law Offices, LLC and Arcadier & Associates, P.A. have filed a Class Action lawsuit against Defendant Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC (“PRA”) in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida on behalf of all persons in the State of Florida who, since February 18, 2011, received a non-emergency telephone call from PRA to a cellular telephone through the use of an automatic telephone dialing system or an artificial or prerecorded voice and who did not provide prior express consent for such calls during the transaction that resulted in the debt owed. The action is captioned Karen Harvey et al. v. Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC, and is numbered 6:11-CV-00582. According to the Complaint, PRA violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”) by using automatic dialing systems and/or an artificial or prerecorded voice to contact cell phone users about purported debts without their prior consent. As described in the Complaint, Ms. Harvey, the named plaintiff in the action, was repeatedly contacted since February 18, 2011 on her cell phone about a purported credit card debt. The plaintiff never consented to those calls, nor did she provide PRA with her telephone number. Under the TCPA, PRA could be ordered to pay attorneys’ fees, litigation expenses and costs of the lawsuit, and statutory damages of $500 for each negligent violation, and/or $1,500 for each knowing and/or willing violation. According to the Complaint, the potential Class Members are estimated to number in the tens of thousands. Additionally, the complaint alleges collective damages exceeding five million dollars ($5,000,000). The Attorneys who have filed the lawsuit have significant experience litigating high profile and collective action cases on behalf of consumers and plaintiffs. Henry A. Turner , Esq., MBA from Turner Law Offices, LLC concentrating in consumer rights litigation, is a trial attorney with twenty years of experience and has been successful in recovering millions of dollars for consumers including a $2,950,000 Class Action Settlement with Pitney Bowes, Inc. in a case involving the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, Martin K. O’Toole et al. v. Pitney Bowes, Inc.; United State District Court for the Northern District of Georgia; Case No. 1:08-CV-1645. Maurice Arcadier , Esq., MBA from Arcadier and Associates, P.A. is also an experienced trial attorney with 14 years of experience and board certified by the Florida Bar. Mr. Arcadier likewise brings class action experience and is currently co-counsel in a high profile collective action case against Florida Power and Light , Romero v. Florida Power and Light Company, Case No.: 6:09-cv-1401, in the Middle District of Florida. Indeed, with the combined experience, background and resources of the Turner Law Office and Arcadier and Associates, many consumers in Georgia and Florida may receive protection from the unsolicited calls as well as $1,500.00 for each call they received. If there are any consumers who likewise have received unsolicited calls, they may contact any of the attorneys below. While the cases only address claims in Georgia and Florida at this time, the alleged violations may be occurring nationwide and any consumer who is experiencing the type of calls described above from Portfolio Recovery or other debt collectors are encouraged to contact the law offices below or an attorney of your choosing. For further information please contact: Henry A. Turner, Esq., MBA TURNER LAW OFFICES, LLC 403 W. Ponce de Leon Avenue Decatur, Georgia 30030 (404) 261-7787 hturner(at)tloffices(dot)com http://www.tloffices.com or Maurice Arcadier, Esq., MBA ARCADIER AND ASSOCIATES, P.A. 2815 W. New Haven, #304 Melbourne, Fl. 32904 T: 321-953-5998 F: 321-953-6075 arcadier(at)wamalaw(dot)com http://www.wamalaw.com
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Regulators Seeks to Halt 10 Operators of Fake News Sites from Making Deceptive Claims About Acai Berry Weight Loss Products
April 19th, 2011. Published under Business Scams, Fraud, Scams. No Comments.
The Federal Trade Commission is requesting federal courts to temporarily halt the allegedly deceptive tactics of 10 operations using fake news websites to market acai berry weight-loss products.
Your Tax Dollars at Work–TSA Caught Fondling 6 Year Old Little Girl
April 13th, 2011. Published under Business Scams, Fraud, Scams. No Comments.
For me this is the last straw. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has gone too far and I dare them, the department of homeland security or anyone else to stifle my thoughts and opinions of this outrage. I have a daughter. While she is an adult now if what I am about to share had happened to her, I would not have stood by and let it happen. I am a real guy and it takes a lot to affect me emotionally, what the TSA did to a six year old little girl has me choked up and almost to the point of tears. The more I think about the incident the angrier I get. FACT: The TSA has not to date ever stopped a terrorist action. Yet the continue to harass and embarrass U.S. citizens without any probable cause. Children being are being groped, breast cancer survivors are being subjected to routines normally reserved for criminals. Guess what… Your hard earned tax dollars are being spent on this useless arbitrage against citizens of this country. Call your congresspersons and other leaders and demand that the Transportation and their porno-scanners be abolished. You can bet as long as there is breath in my body I will campaign to end the TSA’s activities.
Oil and Gasoline Market Manipulators, Beware the FTC and CFTC Are Coming For You
April 12th, 2011. Published under Business Scams, Fraud, Scams. No Comments.
As part of their ongoing efforts to keep markets that they oversee open and fair for American consumers, the Federal Trade Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) today announced that they signed an agreement to foster further cooperation between the two agencies by helping them share nonpublic information. The FTC and CFTC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will facilitate sharing of non-public information on investigations being conducted by the agencies, including investigations into the oil and gasoline markets. The agreement will help the FTC enforce its petroleum market manipulation rule , which prohibits fraudulent manipulation of U.S. petroleum markets. Information-sharing also will help the CFTC in exercising its authority to pursue manipulation in the oil markets. “It is important for regulators to share information to be able to pursue market manipulation wherever it arises,” CFTC Chairman Gary Gensler said. “I thank Chairman Leibowitz and the staff of the FTC for their work on this MOU and look forward to partnering with them in ensuring the integrity of the oil markets.” “With gasoline prices on the rise, we are committed to doing all we can to ensure that petroleum markets are competitive,” said FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz. “Competition works to keep prices lower, and this MOU improves the ability of the FTC and CFTC to take action if and when we find market manipulation. I’d like to thank our CFTC partners for helping to improve the already excellent communication between our two agencies.” Both the FTC and CFTC have authorities to take legal action to stop fraud-based manipulation of the petroleum markets. In addition, the CFTC has exclusive jurisdiction to regulate exchanges, clearing organizations and intermediaries in the U.S. futures industry. The MOU will further facilitate information sharing between the FTC and CFTC on regulatory issues of common interest, such as manipulation of oil and gasoline markets. At the same time, the agreement states that the FTC and CFTC take all necessary steps to ensure that the confidentiality of this nonpublic information is maintained. It also provides that the agreement does not modify the agencies’ current abilities, responsibilities, or obligations to comply with existing laws or regulations, including the FTC’s confidentiality obligations under the premerger laws. Both the FTC and the CFTC votes were unanimous in approving the MOU. It became effective when it was signed, and will remain in effect until it is terminated by either the FTC or CFTC. The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them.
Regulators Collect $2.2 Million from Kirkland Young LLC, Bans them From Mortgage Relief Business
April 11th, 2011. Published under Business Scams, Fraud, Scams. No Comments.
Under a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission, two companies and three individuals are banned from the mortgage relief services business and must relinquish $2.2 million in assets for consumer refunds. The action is part of the FTC’s ongoing effort to stop scams that target financially strapped homeowners seeking mortgage relief. In November 2009, the FTC alleged that Kirkland Young LLC and its manager, David Botton, misrepresented themselves as consumer mortgage lenders, servicers, or their affiliates, and falsely promised they would modify consumers’ loans and make their mortgage payments more affordable. The court halted the operations and froze the defendants’ assets pending resolution of the case. The following month, the FTC added Botton’s sister, April Botton Krawiecki; their father, Samy Botton; and Attorney Aid LLC as defendants. In addition to banning the defendants from selling mortgage relief services, the settlement announced today permanently prohibits them from misleading consumers about financial-related goods and services, such as misrepresenting loan or refund terms, affiliation with any person or government entity, and the ability to improve someone’s credit history. The settlement bars the defendants from selling or otherwise disclosing customers’ personal information, enforcing contracts with mortgage relief clients, and violating the Telemarketing Sales Rule. The settlement imposes a $6.1 million judgment that will be suspended when Samy Botton has paid $300,000; David Botton has surrendered certain assets, including a condo, a car, and a boat; April Botton Krawiecki has surrendered a condo; and Kirkland Young LLC and Attorney Aid LLC have surrendered all of their assets, worth $2.2 million. The FTC recently issued the Mortgage Assistance Relief Services Rule , which bans providers of mortgage foreclosure rescue and loan modification services from collecting fees until homeowners have a written offer from their lender or servicer that they decide is acceptable. Because the defendants’ claims predated the Rule, the FTC did not allege any violations of the Rule in this case. The Commission vote approving the proposed consent order was 5-0. It is subject to court approval. The FTC filed the proposed consent order in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The FTC acknowledges the assistance of the Offices of Attorney General in Florida and Ohio in this matter. Click here for facts about how consumers can help save their home from foreclosure and avoid scams. Source: FTC Federal Trade Commission v. Kirkland Young, LLC, a limited liability company, David Botton, individually and as a manager of Kirkland Young, LLC. (United States District Court Southern District of Florida) Civil Action No. 09-CV-23507 FTC File No. 092 3162
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Regulators Collect $2.2 Million from Kirkland Young LLC, Bans them From Mortgage Relief Business
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MPs debate Easter Adjournment (Work and Pensions) – DeHavilland (press release) (subscription)
April 6th, 2011. Published under Political Scams, Scams. No Comments.
MPs debate Easter Adjournment (Work and Pensions) DeHavilland (press release) (subscription) When we get these phishing e-mails or scams , most of us do nothing about them; we just delete them. Those of us who are-if I can use this word-sophisticated enough to recognise a scam when we see it should do more than just delete them, however. … and more
Debt Collector West Asset Management to Pay a Record 2.8 Million for Abusing Consumers
March 16th, 2011. Published under Business Scams, Fraud, Scams. No Comments.
A leading debt collection company has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $2.8 million to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that its aggressive collection techniques violated federal law. As part of its efforts to protect consumers affected by the struggling economy, the FTC alleged that West Asset Management, Inc. violated the FTC Act and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. According to the FTC’s complaint , thousands of consumer complaints have been filed against West Asset Management Inc., which employs 1,500 debt collectors in 13 states and one offshore location. West Asset Management debt collectors allegedly violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act by calling consumers multiple times each day, often regarding accounts that did not belong to them, and sometimes using rude and abusive language. The FTC further charged that West Asset Management also illegally disclosed the existence of consumers’ debts to third parties and ignored consumers’ written demands that West Asset Management stop calling them. The company also allegedly withdrew funds from consumers’ bank accounts or charged their credit cards without consent and falsely claimed that consumers would be sued, arrested, or have their property seized for nonpayment of their debt. In addition, the FTC alleged that West Asset Management falsely claimed that partial payments would be accepted as full settlement on accounts and that negative information would stay on consumers’ credit reports until debts were paid. According to the complaint, West Asset Management has collected on more than 24 million accounts on behalf of clients in the healthcare, telecommunications, consumer credit, and government service industries. The settlement imposes a $2.8 million civil penalty, which is the largest civil penalty obtained by the FTC in a debt collection case. The settlement order permanently prohibits West Asset from using false, deceptive or unfair debt collection tactics, including: Misrepresenting itself as a law firm or that its collectors are attorneys; Misrepresenting that debtors will be arrested or have their property seized if they don’t pay; Threatening actions that would be illegal, or actions that the company has no intention of taking; Making false statements to collect a debt or obtain information about a consumer; Withdrawing funds from consumers’ bank accounts or charging their credit cards without their consent; Depositing postdated checks before the date on the check, or threatening to do so; Revealing to third parties that a consumer owes a debt; Asking a third party for a consumer’s location information more than once without the third party’s consent or a reasonable belief that the person’s earlier response was wrong or incomplete and that the person now has correct location information; Calling consumers before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., or at their workplace; Communicating with a consumer after receiving written notice that the consumer refuses to pay or wants the collector to stop calling; and Using obscene or profane language, or harassing consumers with repeated phone calls. Source: FTC United States of America, Plaintiff, v. West Asset Management, Inc., Defendant (United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia) Case No. 1:11-cv-0746 File No. 0723006
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Regulators Recover Additional $2.1 Million for Consumers Defrauded by AmeriDebt Scam
March 15th, 2011. Published under Business Scams, Fraud, Scams. No Comments.
On March 9, an administrator working for the Federal Trade Commission mailed 78,552 refund checks to consumers defrauded by a credit counseling/debt management scam run by Andris Pukke and his companies, AmeriDebt, Inc. and DebtWorks, Inc. The FTC alleged that the defendants deceived consumers about the fees for debt management plans and misrepresented that AmeriDebt was a non-profit, in addition to making false promises to teach consumers how to handle their credit and finances. The FTC previously returned almost $13 million to consumers in this scam. The distribution of more than $2.1 million announced today is the result of additional funds collected from the defendants, and the amount of each check will vary based upon the amount of each consumer’s loss. Consumers who receive the checks should cash them by May 9, 2011. The FTC never requires consumers to pay money or provide information before redress checks may be cashed. Consumer victims who have not previously filed a complaint with the FTC may still do so. AmeriDebt consumers with questions should call the redress administrator, Gilardi & Co., LLC , at 888-309-3816 or visit www.ftc.gov/ameridebt . Source: FTC Federal Trade Commission v. AmeriDebt, Inc., DebtWorks, Inc., Andris Pukke, and Pamela Pukke, also known as Pamela Shuster (District of Maryland) Civil Action No.: PJM 03-3317; FTC File No. X040009 RELATED STORIES Regulator Puts an End to Chikita’s Tactics of Online Advertising That Deceived Consumers American Express Bank Violating the Credit Repair Organizations Act Using a Debt Collection Letter? Regulator Steps Up Efforts Against Scams That Target Financially-Strapped Consumers Debt Collector Portfolio Recovery Associates Sending out Bogus IRS 1099-C’s to Consumers Again?
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Regulators Recover Additional $2.1 Million for Consumers Defrauded by AmeriDebt Scam
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Regulator Puts an End to Chikita’s Tactics of Online Advertising That Deceived Consumers Who Wanted to "Opt Out" from Targeted Ads
March 14th, 2011. Published under Business Scams, Scams. No Comments.
Chitika Inc.’s Opt-Out Expired After Only 10 Days The FTC reached a settlement with online advertising company Chitika, Inc. that ends the company’s allegedly deceptive practice of tracking consumers’ online activities even after they have chosen to opt out of online tracking on Chitika’s website. The FTC investigated Chitika as part of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers’ privacy online. Chitika, whose website states that it delivers three billion ad impressions a month, acts as a go-between for websites and advertisers. According to the FTC complaint, Chitika buys ad space on websites and contracts with advertisers to place small text files called cookies on those websites. Chitika also uses a technique known as behavioral advertising – by placing “cookies” on consumers’ computer browsers, the company tracks consumers’ activities on the web, including searches the consumer has conducted and sites the consumer has visited. Based on consumers’ online activities, the company then displays ads to them that correlate to their interests. The FTC alleged that in its privacy policy the company says that it collects data about consumers’ preferences, but allows consumers to opt out of having cookies placed on their browsers and receiving targeted ads. The privacy policy includes an “Opt-Out” button. Consumers who click on it activate a message that states, “You are currently opted out.” According to the FTC complaint, from at least May 2008 through February 2010, Chitika’s opt-out lasted only 10 days. After that time, Chitika placed tracking cookies on browsers of consumers who had opted out and targeted ads to them again. The FTC charged Chitika’s claims about its opt-out mechanism were deceptive and violated federal law. The settlement bars Chitika from making misleading statements about the extent of data collection about consumers and the extent to which consumers can control the collection, use or sharing of their data. It requires that every targeted ad include a hyperlink that takes consumers to a clear opt-out mechanism that allows a consumer to opt out for at least five years. It also requires that Chitika destroy all identifiable user information collected when the defective opt out was in place. In addition, the settlement requires that Chitika alert consumers who previously tried to opt out that their attempt was not effective, and they should opt out again to avoid targeted ads. Source: FTC In the Matter of Chitika, Inc., a corporation FTC File No. 1023087
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Regulator Puts an End to Chikita’s Tactics of Online Advertising That Deceived Consumers Who Wanted to "Opt Out" from Targeted Ads
Guerrilla Guide for Dealing with Bad Companies – Consumer EECB’s and other Fun and Rewarding Tactics
March 12th, 2011. Published under Fraud, Scams. No Comments.
The Guerrilla guide for dealing with bad companies – consumer EECB’s and other fun and rewarding tactics is a concise and definitive guide on how to get bad companies to do the right thing. I like to think of myself as a laid-back, easygoing person. There are few things in life that get my dander up, bad companies that ignore me as a consumer is at the top of the list. Like me, you probably have bought a product or service that did not live up to expectations, or was broken quickly. Most companies will give you a hand and take care of the problem, sometimes even out of warranty. However, there are many companies, large and small, that believe the customer relationship ends after the sale and drag their feet or ignore consumer’s complaints afterwards. This guide shows you how to get satisfaction when all else fails. Available on Kindle and Nook Readers and instant download PDF
Is American Express Violating the Credit Repair Organizations Act Using A Debt Collection Letter?
March 8th, 2011. Published under Business Scams, Fraud, Scams. No Comments.
Last month I received and unusual letter from American Express Centurion Bank offering me a chance to repair my credit, by them offering a credit card, if I pay an alleged debt. I do believe this “offer” is an unfair and deceptive act that may violate the Credit Repair Organizations Act by promising to improve my credit. The letter gets even funnier, further down in the letter they use a carefully worded phrase (after offering me a new credit card) that states, “After you pay your balance in full we will send you a pre-qualified application for a new Optima card”.
Man Can Sue for FDCPA Violation – Debt Collector Filed Suit in Wrong Jurisdiction
March 8th, 2011. Published under Business Scams, Scams. No Comments.
Jonathan Hess of Clay New York won the right to peruse debt collection law firm Cohen & Slamowitz for violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Cohen & Slamowitz filed a collection lawsuit against Mr. Hess in an improper jurisdiction. The U.S. Court of Appeals in New York reversed a lower courts ruling which allows Mr. Hess to continue his FDPCA lawsuit against the law firm. “The initial lawsuit against Hess was filed in Syracuse City Court by Woodbury-based Cohen & Slamowitz on behalf of Midland Funding. Hess hired lawyer Anthony Pietrafesa, who challenged the lawsuit on jurisdictional grounds because none of the parties resided in Syracuse or a contiguous town as required by law.” ~ Syracuse.com Debt collectors must file debt lawsuits in the judicial district in which the defendant resides. Failure to properly files in the proper venue and jurisdiction should result in a dismissal of such lawsuits. In my opinion the filing of a lawsuit in an improper jurisdiction could quite possibly be a violation of the FDCPA, as it is false or misleading.
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If you paid a "reimbursable repair" for a Dell Inspiron Notebook model 1150, 5100, or 5160, a class action lawsuit may affect your rights.
March 3rd, 2011. Published under Business Scams, Scams. No Comments.
What is this lawsuit about? The Plaintiffs said that Dell acted deceptively in designing, manufacturing, marketing, selling, and servicing the Inspiron 1150, 5100, and 5160. The Plaintiffs also said that at the time it sold these computers, Dell knew they contained three common defects that could cause premature failure: (1) inadequate cooling systems (2) a power supply system that prematurely fails when used as intended and (3) motherboards that prematurely fail when used as intended. Dell denies wrongdoing or liability of any kind associated with the claims brought by the Plaintiffs, and has agreed to settle the case for the sole purpose of avoiding the uncertainties, expenses, and time of further litigation. How do I know if I am part of the Settlement? The Court has decided that everyone who fits this description is a Class Member: All individuals and entities in the United States who own or have owned a Dell Inspiron 1150, 5100, or 5160 notebook computer. How much would my payment be? We do not know how much your payment would be at this time. The amount of your payment will be based on which model laptop you own or owned, whether the repair was a Reimbursable Repair performed by Dell or an ASP (Banctec or QualxServ), and when the repair took place. Can I get out of the Settlement? Yes. If you are a Class Member, you may exclude yourself from this case by sending a letter stating your name and address to the following address by December 6, 2010: Carideo Settlement Claims Administrator, c/o Analytics, Inc., P.O. Box 2009, Chanhassen, MN 55317-2009. Note that your letter must clearly state that you wish to be excluded from the Class. If you exclude yourself from the Class, you will not be eligible to participate in any aspect of the Settlement. How can I get a payment? If you own or have owned a Dell Inspiron 1150, 5100, or 5160 notebook computer that has undergone one of the Reimbursable Repairs described above, you may receive a refund in one of several ways: Dell will use information within its repair databases to determine those who paid for Reimbursable Repairs. The ICA will mail a Notice of Eligibility postcard to people who are entitled to an automatic refund under the Settlement. The Notice of Eligibility postcards will be mailed by December 6, 2010 If you receive such a Notice, you must confirm your mailing address with the ICA within thirty (30) days of receiving the Notice of Eligibility. If you confirm your address on time, you will receive your refund within ninety (90) days of the Notice of Eligibility or the Effective Date of the Settlement Agreement, whichever is later. If you do not confirm your address with the ICA, you will not receive a refund. If you do not receive a Notice of Eligibility, it means you do not automatically qualify for a refund based on Dell’s repair databases and you must submit a claim form. Claim forms and instructions regarding submission of claims can be accessed through the Online Claim Submission button on the top of the screen. The claim form will ask you for (1) the Service Tag Number of your Inspiron 1150, 5100 or 5160; (2) an invoice, receipt or other documents showing your Inspiron 1150, 5100 or 5160 was serviced for a Reimbursable Repair by Dell or one of Dell’s ASPs (Banctec or QualxServ), and the amount paid for the Reimbursable Repair; and (3) a declaration under penalty of perjury confirming the truth of the claim. Follow the instructions on the claim form closely. If you no longer have documentation of a Reimbursable Repair and Dell’s database does not contain the necessary information related to such repairs, you may nonetheless submit a claim and Dell will cooperate in attempting to locate the necessary documentation. Under such circumstances you must submit a Claim Form including a written explanation of: (1) whether the relevant repair was performed by Dell or one of its ASPs (Banctec or QualxServ); (2) the date of the repair; (3) the reason for service; (4) a reason for why the proof of repair is not available; and (5) a description of your efforts to find the necessary documentation. Such claims must be made under oath, and are subject to the penalties for perjury. Claim forms may be submitted either online or by U.S. mail. If you have any questions, you may also contact the ICA toll-free by calling 1-866-890-4857 or emailing to carideosettlement@analytics-inc.com. You have until April 5, 2011 to send in a claim form seeking a refund under this Settlement. Claims will not be accepted if submitted online or postmarked after April 5, 2011. When would I get my payment? You will not be paid until after the Court approves the Settlement and there is a Final Order and Judgment in the lawsuit. The Court will hold a hearing on December 17, 2010 to decide whether to approve the Settlement.
Kudos to Attorney David Larson for Targeting Debt Collector Portfolio Recovery
March 1st, 2011. Published under Scams. No Comments.
Portfolio Recovery Associates (stock ticker PRAA)
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Stick It Book Reader Gets Portfolio Recovery Debt Collection Lawsuit Dismissed with Prejudice
February 25th, 2011. Published under Scams. No Comments.
It warms my heart when a
Been Sued by Debt Collector Midland Funding LLC? You May Can Get Paid for Your Troubles
February 21st, 2011. Published under Fraud, Scams. No Comments.
Encore Capital Group Inc (ECPG) that owns and operates Midland Funding LLC a junk debt buyer and collection company. In consumer advocacy and protection groups, Midland Funding is well known for aggressive collection tactics such as filing lawsuits against alleged debtors. In many cases the use of an affidavit of debt or account were submitted as evidence supporting Midland Funding’s complaints. The problem is that these ‘affidavits’ may have been flawed or false documents submitted before the court. Encore Capital Group has just recently agreed to settle all pending class-action lawsuits that allege the company used false or phony affidavits in lawsuits filed against consumers. “In the most prominent case, an Ohio federal judge ruled in 2009 that Encore violated federal and state laws by trying to collect credit-card debt using a fake affidavit. Encore disclosed its settlement of the Ohio suit on Monday in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing. Some regulators and judges have complained that documents submitted to courts by debt collectors as proof of what a borrower owes frequently are sloppy or fraudulent. The accounts bought by debt-collection firms often lack information about the underlying debts, such as contracts or payment histories, according to judges who rule on collection cases. “ ~ MarketWatch In addition, the Texas Attorney General recently ordered Encore Capital to produce documents in an ongoing investigation of the company and its subsidiaries, and its methods of collecting debts. What this means for individuals sued by Midland Funding? It means that consumers may have an option to reopen a case that Midland Funding brought against them and have it dismissed for possible perjury or fraud upon the court. This also means that any default judgment obtained or garnishment orders could be dismissed as well. I suggest that if you have been sued or in the process of being sued you may want to contact a consumer protection attorney or even proceed as a pro se litigant and look into have judgments overturned. While I am not an attorney, Encores business practices of using falsified affidavits may also run afoul of the Fair Debt Collection Practices (Act) for use of false or misleading means to collect a debt. Whatever the case may be, consumers sued by Midland Funding now have a tool in which to have judgments or garnishments overturned and quite possibly a strong FDCPA case against Midland Funding LLC.
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Ambit Cap’s budget expectation low, bets on cap goods – Moneycontrol.com
February 21st, 2011. Published under Political Scams, Scams. No Comments.
Ambit Cap's budget expectation low, bets on cap goods Moneycontrol.com One is obviously domestic India and really the newsflow whether it's on the 2G scam or any of the scams, any skeletons coming out of the cover to shot the market, you can't really capture. But if this is worst of it then obviously that is in the market … and more
Business Opportunity Con Artist Surrenders Million-Dollar Las Vegas Home
February 12th, 2011. Published under Business Scams, Scams. No Comments.
After trying for years to keep assets he acquired while deceiving consumers with false promotions and bogus business opportunity pitches, a repeat offender has agreed to turn over his Las Vegas home, valued at over $1 million, and give up his appeal of the Federal Trade Commission’s case against him. The settlement announced today wraps up the FTC’s case against Richard C. Neiswonger, who twice has been held in contempt of court at the FTC’s request – first, for deceptively marketing business opportunities in violation of an earlier court order, and second, for failing to turn over assets to pay a multi-million-dollar judgment against him. In April 2007, a federal district court held Neiswonger, his business partner William S. Reed, and their firm, Asset Protection Group, Inc., in civil contempt for violating a 1997 court order that prohibited them from deceptively promoting business opportunities and failing to disclose material facts to consumers. The court banned Neiswonger from selling business opportunities to consumers and telemarketing. The court also entered a $3.2 million judgment against him – the amount of his ill-gotten gains – and required him to transfer the title of his Las Vegas home to a court-appointed receiver within 20 days if he failed to pay the judgment in full. Neiswonger never made the payment, and in September 2009, at the FTC’s request, the district court held him in contempt for a second time and ordered him to turn over the title to the house or face jail time. The court found that he had failed to deliver a marketable title to his home. Under the final settlement order, Neiswonger will surrender the house in Las Vegas, valued at more than $1 million. The order requires his wife, Shannon Neiswonger, and any other people living in the house to move out and turn it over for sale by a court-appointed receiver. It also requires the Neiswongers to dismiss all related appeals and release any claims they may have against the receiver or the FTC, and it directs the receiver to sell the house to help pay the judgment. The FTC previously obtained Neiswonger’s $379,000 retirement account to help pay the judgment as well. As part of the settlement, Shannon Neiswonger, who was not a defendant in the FTC action, will be paid $100,000 from the proceeds of the sale of the house, which she owned jointly with Richard Neiswonger. Source: FTC FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION, Plaintiff, v. RICHARD C. NEISWONGER, individually, d/b/a “MARKETING SYSTEMS,” and as an officer of each corporate defendant; S&K GROUP, INC.; SHAPIRO, KOSSMEYER & FLOM PC d/b/a S&K GROUP, INC. and S&K PC; CARL F. KOSSMEYER, individually and as an officer of S&K Group, Inc., and Shapiro, Kossmeyer & Flom PC; MEDICAL RECOVERY SERVICE, INC. (Joliet, Illinois and Las Vegas, Nevada); NANCY FREEMAN, individually and as an officer of Medical Recovery Service, Inc.; and MARC FREEMAN, individually and as an officer of Medical Recovery Service, Inc., Defendants. (United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri) Civil Action No.: 4:96CV02225 SNL FTC File Nos.: 962 3134; X970012
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Business Opportunity Con Artist Surrenders Million-Dollar Las Vegas Home
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State Warns of Bogus ‘Travel Emergency’ Scams – KTVZ
February 10th, 2011. Published under Political Scams, Scams. No Comments.
State Warns of Bogus 'Travel Emergency' Scams KTVZ If it is a scam , encourage them to warn their contacts about the phony email. • When sending group emails always “bcc:” (blind carbon copy) your recipients. That way their names and email addresses are not visible after the email is sent. … and more
Vantec SATA / IDE to USB 2.0 Adapter Best 20 Bucks I Ever Spent
February 7th, 2011. Published under Scams. No Comments.
The Vantec SATA / IDE to USB 2.0 Adapter completely surprised me. To be honest I had not heard of Vantech prior to ordering this adapter. This adapter is a computer geeks (or IT guy) dream come true. Many times computer repair can be difficult, especially when we run across a dead computer that still has data on the hard drive. If you are lucky and have a machine close buy that will accept the drive you can often pull the data off. This is a clunky and often frustrating method to do so. The Vantec Adapter takes frustration out of the equation. The ‘kit’ comes with a 3-way interface adapter that supports all SATA hard drives, 3.5 inch IDE drives such as those found in laptops as well as 5.25 inch had drives found in desktop computer systems. The kit also comes with a switchable A/C power supply and adapter cable to power up hard drives.
Debt Collector Portfolio Recovery Associates Sending out Bogus IRS 1099-C’s to Consumers Again?
February 5th, 2011. Published under Fraud, Scams. No Comments.
According to Budd Hibbs, a well-known consumer advocate, Junk debt buyer and debt collection company Portfolio Recovery Associates are sending out IRS form 1099-C’s to consumers. The problem is that Portfolio Recovery Associates (and other junk debt buyers) purchase old debts for a couple of pennies per dollar and then attempt to collect the full face value of the debt, even though they paid much less than face value. In my opinion if Portfolio Recovery is sending 1099-C’s to consumers claiming the full face value of a debt, they may be committing fraud on the consumers involved as well as committing fraud on the Internal Revenue Service. In effect they are writing off the full amount of the ‘forgiven’ debt’ and in reality only paid a small amount for the debt. Two years ago, we went to a Washington Post reporter who contacted the IRS regarding this matter. PRA must be able to produce some type of valid documents that make their claims credible, however based on their record of accomplishment; they likely have little or nothing to back up their claim. We contacted many attorneys and officials about this, we can expect that the Consumer Protection Financial Protection Board currently being set by Professor Elizabeth Warren will finally address the abuse and force PRA to comply with the law. Demand they send you documents that prove their claim or copies of accounts, signatures, goods provided, services rendered and all other information that connects your social security to their alleged loss. IMPORTANT: Once a 1099-C is issued, the law mandates that the debt can no longer be collected. This includes PRA selling it off to another vulture. They MUST show a zero balance on your credit report and are prohibited from extending the seven-year reporting statute. PRA cannot call you or send collection notices after a 1099-C has been issued. ~ Collectors Exposed I can’t for the life of me figure out why the IRS, or the Federal Trade Commission for that matter, allows junk debt buyers to get away with cheating the US government out of taxes that they write off and end up not paying in real taxes. It really does make me wonder about the entire debt collection industry in general. I guess if they have no fear of cheating consumers then they have no fear of cheating our government either. For the full excerpt on Portfolio Recovery Associates and “Bogus” 1099-C mailing click here .
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Consumer Beats Debt Collectors Zwicker and Citibank in Court with the ‘Stick It’ Book
February 2nd, 2011. Published under Business Scams, Fraud, Scams. No Comments.
Once again, justice is served for consumers. As I have often stated, most debt collection attorney’s, debt collectors, and junk debt buyers don’t have the proof that is needed to prove a consumer owes a debt. They still file frivolous lawsuits even they don’t have proper proof in the hopes of scaring a consumer into paying or that they are able to obtain a summary or default judgment. The biggest problem is that consumers are not aware of or are afraid of debt lawsuits and collectors. In as high as ninety percent of the cases get a judgment because the consumer did not respond or fight back and the plaintiffs were awarded a judgment. Just this morning I received an email from a read of ‘Stick it to Sue Happy Debt Collectors’ and he said: “I bought your book a few months ago and used the information to fight Zwicker and Associates who was representing Citibank. Today I received a call from a representative at the law firm telling me that they have voluntarily dismissed the case! Thank you for the book and all your help.” ~ J Wright I tell countless consumers every day that in nearly ninety-five of debt lawsuits the plaintiff doesn’t have sufficient proof to get a judgment and that by fighting back (as outlined in my book) and a consumer can win against debt collectors. I receive emails every week from happy and relieved consumers that did fight back using the book and won. The tactics that I use to put debt collectors in place (in court) and the countless consumers I have helped with the book
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Court Freezes Assets of Massive Internet Enterprise in Alleged Billing Scheme
January 28th, 2011. Published under Business Scams, Scams. No Comments.
At the request of the Federal Trade Commission, a federal court has frozen the assets of corporations and an individual behind a far-reaching Internet enterprise that allegedly made more than $275 million by luring consumers into deceptive “trial” memberships, and bogus government-grant and money-making schemes. The court froze the assets of 61 corporations (collectively known as “I Works”) and their alleged ringleader, Jeremy Johnson. It placed these defendants’ assets under the control of a court-supervised receiver to help ensure that funds are available for consumer restitution when the case is concluded. In December 2010, the FTC alleged that I Works lured consumers into “trial” memberships for bogus government-grant and money-making schemes, and then repeatedly charged monthly fees for these and other memberships the consumers never ordered. According to the FTC’s complaint, the operation used websites that pitch various money-making programs or tout the availability of government grants to pay personal expenses. The websites offer “free” information at no risk and ask consumers to provide their credit or debit card numbers to pay a small shipping and handling fee such as $1.99. But when consumers provide their billing information, I Works charges them a hefty one-time fee of up to $129.95 and monthly recurring fees of up to $59.95 for the advertised programs, and other monthly fees for unrelated programs. The FTC’s complaint alleges that this scheme has caused more than 500,000 consumers to seek chargebacks – reversals of charges to their credit cards or debits to their bank accounts. The high number of chargebacks landed the defendants in VISA’s and MasterCard’s chargeback monitoring programs, resulted in millions of dollars in fines for excessive chargebacks, and prevented the defendants from getting access to the credit card and debit card billing systems using their own names. To keep the scam going, the defendants tricked banks into giving them continued access to these billing systems by creating 51 shell companies with figurehead officers, and by providing the banks with phony “clean” versions of their websites. According to the FTC, the defendants, which include the 61 corporations, Johnson, and nine other individuals, violated the FTC Act by misrepresenting that government grants are available for paying personal expenses, that consumers are likely to obtain grants by using the defendants’ program, that users of their money-making products will earn substantial income, and that their offers are free or risk-free. The complaint also alleges that they failed to disclose that consumers who pay a nominal shipping and handling fee would be enrolled in expensive plans that charge fees until consumers cancel, and that they charged consumers’ credit cards and debited their bank accounts without their consent. The FTC further alleges that the defendants’ websites featured deceptive positive reviews and deceptive testimonials that misrepresented the benefits of their grant services. The FTC also alleges that they violated the Electronic Fund Transfer Act and Regulation E by debiting consumers’ bank accounts without their signed written consent and without providing consumers with a copy of the written authorization.
Operator of Deceptive "Scareware" Scheme Will Pay More than $8 Million to Settle Charges
January 27th, 2011. Published under Scams. No Comments.
An operator of an online “scareware” scheme will pay more than $8 million to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that he used deceptive ads to trick consumers into thinking their computers were infected with malicious software, and then sold them software to “fix” their non-existent problem. As part of the FTC’s ongoing efforts to protect consumers from online scams, the agency cracked down on the scareware operation, filing a complaint against seven defendants who allegedly operated the scheme in 2008. The agency charged that the defendants did business using the company names Innovative Marketing, Inc. and ByteHosting Internet Services, LLC, operated using a variety of aliases, and maintained offices in various countries. The defendant whose settlement was announced today will be required to turn over $8 million in ill-gotten gains so it can be used to reimburse victims of the scam and will be barred from the deceptive practices In December 2008, at the request of the FTC, a U.S. district court ordered a halt to the massive scheme. According to the FTC’s complaint, the defendants falsely claimed that scans had detected viruses, spyware, and illegal pornography on consumers’ computers. The FTC alleged that the defendants conned more than one million consumers into buying their software products such as Winfixer, Drive Cleaner and Antivirus XP to remove the malware the bogus scans had supposedly detected. The FTC charged that the defendants used elaborate and technologically sophisticated Internet advertisements that they placed with advertising networks and many popular commercial websites. These ads displayed to consumers a “system scan” that invariably detected a host of malicious or otherwise dangerous files and programs on consumers’ computers. The bogus “scans” would then urge consumers to buy the defendants’ software for $40 to $60 to clean off the malware. Under the proposed settlement order, Marc D’Souza and his father, Maurice D’Souza, will give up $8.2 million in ill-gotten gains. The FTC alleged that Marc D’Souza was one of the key defendants behind the scam. It charged Maurice D’Souza as a relief defendant who did not participate in the scam, but allegedly profited from it. The order bans Marc D’Souza from any involvement with software that interferes with consumers’ computers. It also bars him from: making deceptive claims in connection with computer security software; using domain names registered with false information; and misrepresenting that he is authorized to act on behalf of third parties. The FTC wishes to thank the Canadian Competition Bureau for its invaluable assistance in this matter. Source: FTC Federal Trade Commission v. Innovative Marketing, Inc., also d/b/a Billingnow, BillPlanet PTE Ltd., Globedat, Innovative Marketing Ukraine, Revenue Response, Sunwell, Synergy Software BV, Winpayment Consultancy SPC, Winsecure Solutions, and Winsolutions FZ-LLC; ByteHosting Internet Services, LLC; James Reno, individually, d/b/a Setupahost.net, and as an officer of Bytehosting Internet Services, LLC; Sam Jain, individually, and as an officer of Innovative Marketing, Inc.; Daniel Sundin, individually, d/b/a Vantage Software and Winsoftware, Ltd., and as an officer of Innovative Marketing, Inc.; Marc D’Souza, individually, d/b/a Web Integrated Net Solutions, and as an officer of Innovative Marketing, Inc.; Kristy Ross, individually, and as an officer of Innovative Marketing, Inc., Defendants; and Maurice D’Souza, Relief Defendant (United States District Court for the District of Maryland) Civil Action No.: 08-CV-3233-RDB; FTC File No.: 072-3137
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Operator of Deceptive "Scareware" Scheme Will Pay More than $8 Million to Settle Charges
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Another Consumer Beats Debt Collector in Court Using The “Book”
January 24th, 2011. Published under Business Scams, Scams. No Comments.
I love receiving email from consumers who have purchased and used the information in the “Book”. By book, I am referring to the “’Stick it to Sue Happy Debt Collectors” book. Just this morning I received yet another relieved consumer that battled a debt collection attorney in court, and won. “I have managed to win my motion to dismiss with the help of you book. Thanks! The original creditor’s lawyer showed up but I still won the motion to dismiss.” ~ B. Topol Many consumers are afraid of debt collection lawsuits and in the majority collection cases the consumer never shows up. Not showing up for a debt lawsuit is, in my opinion, worse than losing in court. If a consumer doesn’t show up to fight a collection lawsuit then the collector receive a default judgment and take money from a consumers paycheck, bank accounts or worse. In default judgments lawyers and collectors tend to tack on questionable fees and usurious interest. In nearly ninety-four percent of debt cases file, the consumer never shows up or responds. By far, the single largest issue is that consumers don’t fight back, and collection companies and attorney’s are betting on it. In upwards of ninety percent (90% folks, think about it) the collection company and/or collection attorney cannot prove a debt is owed. Another words, a consumer has nine out of ten chances to beat the collector or attorney. The odds of winning a debt collection lawsuit favors consumers, if they just show up and make the other side prove otherwise. Back before I wrote the book I nearly let debt collectors and their attorney take advantage of me in court. After seeing the questionable tactics they used in court, I became extremely angry and vowed to find a way to fight back and stick it to attorneys that file frivolous court cases. I have spent literally thousands of hours performing legal research and using what I learned in court. Bottom line my legal tactics and precedents work in nearly all collection cases, whether it be an original creditor or junk debt collector. Why should consumers let run roughshod over them and the legal system? They shouldn’t. Consumers can win against collection companies.
Self-Publishing – Glad I Didn’t Join Borders Get Published Bookbrewer – They Can’t Pay Publishers
January 22nd, 2011. Published under Fraud, Scams. No Comments.
I am self-published and my books can be found at most online bookstores and even in some ‘brick-and-mortar’ bookstores. I also sell my own eBook formats in my company’s store. When Borders announced their ‘Get Published powered by BookBrewer’, I was initially excited, as I wanted my books in the Borders online bookstore. I was initially turned off by the cost of $89.00 to publish an eBook (no print publishing offered). Other eBook retailers such as Amazon, Kobo, LuLu, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords do not charge anything to set up a book or for expanded distribution. If the $89.00 went towards paperback print publication, I might consider such a service. By the way, I use CreateSpace for print publishing, much cheaper and more flexibility, and higher royalty revenues. I received several emails late last year from Borders regarding their eBook publishing. However, the price kept me from exploring their service. I am glad now though that I did hesitate.