Markets Wired

The Federal Trade Commission is mailing refund checks to consumers in America and Canada who were victimized by a fraudulent telemarketing operation that used pre-recorded calls, or robocalls, to pitch phony credit card interest rate reduction programs.

The refunds stem from a 2010 settlement with the operators of a robocall telemarketing scheme known as JPM Accelerated Services (JPM).  The FTC’s complaint against JPM alleged that the company’s telemarketers charged an up-front fee typically ranging from $495 to $995, and promised consumers they would save thousands of dollars in a short period of time as a result of the lower interest rates, and that they would be able to pay off their debts faster.  The defendants also falsely stated that if consumers did not save thousands of dollars from lowered interest rates, they would receive a full refund of the up-front fee.

After collecting the fee from consumers, however, JPM allegedly failed to deliver the promised interest rate reductions and savings, and routinely refused to honor its money-back guarantee.  The FTC complaint also charged the defendants with violating the FTC’s Telemarketing Sales Rule by calling consumers on the Do Not Call Registry, blocking or “spoofing” caller ID, and making unlawful robocalls.

Consumer victims of JPM whom the FTC was able to identify will receive checks returning part of the money they lost.  The checks will be mailed by BMC Group, a refund administrator working for the FTC.  Consumers should cash the checks upon receipt.  The redress checks are valid for 60 days from the date they are issued, after which they become void.  The FTC never requires the payment of money up front, or the provision of additional information, before consumers cash redress checks issued to them.  Consumers with questions should call the redress hotline at 1-855-529-6827 and can receive more information on the FTC’s website at www.FTC.gov/refunds.

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.  To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).  The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 2,000 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.  The FTC’s website provides free information on a variety of consumer topics.  Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.