At the height of financial crisis in the 2000s, the FTC sent more than $ 2 million to consumers who had been harmed by scammers selling bogus “kits” for getting rich quick and coaching programs.
The FTC filed a lawsuit in 2009 against, suing the “gurus” who were behind the misleading kits and programs. These included John Beck, John Alexander and Jeff Paul, as well as the marketers responsible for the scheme Gary Hewitt, Doug Gravink, and other companies. The FTC alleged that the group sold the coaching systems and kits under several names including “John Beck’s Free & Clear Real Estate System,” “John Alexander’s Real Estate Riches in 14 Days,” or “Jeff Paul’s Shortcuts for Internet Millions.”
In its complaint, the FTC alleged that defendants failed in their promises to provide consumers with easy money benefits. Consumers often lost money even after purchasing expensive coaching programs, monthly subscriptions and kits. After a lengthy legal battle, the court agreed to the FTC’s position and ordered the defendants refund the consumers.
The FTC will send checks to 39 500 consumers who are affected. The recipient should cash the check within 90 days as stated on the check. If you have any questions regarding your payment, please contact Simpluris at 866-675-3049 or visit the FTC’s website to see frequently asked questions. To get a refund, the Commission does not require people to pay or give account information.
The interactive dashboards for refund data show a breakdown by state of the refunds made in FTC cases. FTC actions in 2024 resulted in more than $339 millions of refunds for consumers throughout the United States.
