Markets Wired

The Federal Trade Commission is mailing 6,192 refund checks totaling more than $1.3 million to people defrauded by Oro Marketing, Inc., a telemarketing scheme that targeted Spanish-speakers with false promises that they could make money by reselling high-end goods such as Gucci and Ralph Lauren. The FTC alleged the company charged more than $400 per package but delivered only shoddy, off-brand products. Defrauded consumers will get nearly a third of their money back, with the average check totaling $216.

The order settling the FTC’s complaint permanently barred the principal defendants from all telemarketing to consumers and required them to turn over virtually all of their assets to provide money for refunds.

Analytics is the refund administrator responsible for mailing these checks. The checks will expire after 60 days. These are legitimate checks, and the FTC urges people to cash them before they expire. The FTC never requires consumers to pay money or provide account information to cash a refund check.

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.