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The Federal Trade Commission is mailing checks to consumers who lost money to a scam that promised to help consumers get payday loans, then debited their bank accounts instead, in increments of $30, without their authorization.

In July 2014 at the FTC’s request, a federal court halted the operation run by Sean C. Mulrooney, Odafe Stephen Ogaga, Vantage Funding, Ideal Advance, Loan Assistance Company, Palm Loan Advances, Loan Tree Advances, Pacific Advances and Your Loan Funding

Affected consumers will receive checks, each in the amount of $30, and should deposit or cash them within 60 days of the mailing date. The FTC never requires consumers to pay money or to provide information before refund checks can be cashed.

Consumers who receive checks and have questions can contact the FTC’s refund administrator, Rust Consulting, Inc., at 866-680-5565. Learn more about the FTC’s refund program.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about consumer topics and file a consumer complaint online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357).  Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, read our blogs and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.