The FTC sued Kevin Trudeau for making false claims in infomercials about his book, The Weight Loss Cure “They” Don’t Want You To Know About. The infomercials ran between December 2006 and November 2007. A federal court ruled that the infomercials broke the law and ordered Kevin Trudeau to repay some people who bought the book.
If you received a check, it’s important that you cash or deposit the check within 60 days.
What did the Court decide?
The Court ruled that Kevin Trudeau’s television infomercials selling the Weight Loss Cures book were false advertising. Because the infomercials broke the law, the Court ordered Kevin Trudeau to refund many people who bought the book.
Why didn’t I get all my money back?
The check you got does not cover the entire amount you paid. However, it’s the most we can give you now. The Court held Kevin Trudeau in contempt for refusing to explain where his money is. If we’re able to locate more of the money Kevin Trudeau owes or if money remains available for refunds, we may send another check to people who cashed the first one.
Do I have to return the book?
No. You do not need to return the book. And you may deposit or cash the check even if you don’t have the book anymore.
Someone contacted me about a refund and asked me to pay money, or asked me for personal information like my Social Security number or bank or credit card information. Is it a scam?
Probably. The FTC never requires you to pay anything to cash a refund check. If someone contacts you about a refund and asks for money, your Social Security number, or your bank or credit card information, it’s probably a scam. Please report this to the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/complaint.
The person named on the check is deceased. What should I do?
If the person on the check is deceased and you can’t cash it, we will reissue the check to you. Please mail the check back to the address printed on the top left hand corner of the check, along with a copy of the death certificate and documentation showing you represent the estate. Then we’ll reissue the check.
Where can I find more information about this case?
All of the legal documents related to this case are available on the Kevin Trudeau case page. Here are a few of the most important ones:
- District Court ruling that Trudeau was in contempt of court for making false claims about the Weight Loss Cures book
- Appellate Court ruling upholding part of the District Court ruling, and asking the District Court to address certain issues further
- District Court decision addressing additional issues related to the Weight Loss Cures book
- Appellate Court ruling upholding the District Court’s decision
- District Court ruling that Trudeau was in contempt of court for hiding money needed to refund consumers who bought the Weight Loss Cures book
- District Court ruling that Trudeau was again in contempt of court for hiding money needed to refund consumers who bought the Weight Loss Cures book
- District Court order that Trudeau be incarcerated until he explains where his money is
- District Court order stopping Trudeau’s incarceration in this case while he serves a prison sentence for criminal contempt of court