Announced Action for October 25, 2002

Commission authorization to file for dismissal of relief defendant:

The Commission has authorized the staff to file a stipulation discontinuing its action against a relief defendant in an Internet auction case brought through the "Operation Safebid" law enforcement sweep. On January 10, 2002, upon motion by the Commission, the District Court for the Eastern District of New York entered a default judgment against Ali Hafiz, the primary defendant, in the sum of $21,927.73. The FTC will discontinue its action against relief defendant Dhanmatie Kashem, also known as Dhanmatie Nazar, because she did not receive the proceeds of Hafiz’s fraud. The Commission vote authorizing the staff action was 5-0. (FTC File No. X010010; staff contact is Robin E. Eichen, FTC Northeast Region, 212-607-2829; see press release dated October 31, 2000.)

Commission authorization to file amended complaint:

The Commission has authorized the staff to file an amended complaint in the case against Bay Area Business Council, Inc., et al., which was brought through the "Operation No-Credit" law enforcement sweep and filed on August 14, 2002. On August 15, 2002, the court entered an ex parte temporary restraining order against the defendants, with an asset freeze and the appointment of a receiver. On October 2, 2002, the defendants entered into stipulated preliminary injunctions with the Commission. Through today’s action, the FTC has added the following corporate entities as defendants in this matter: Bay Memberships, Inc.; Bay Vacations, Inc.; Sr. Marketing Consultants, Inc.; and Special Technologies, Inc. Each new defendant has the same principal place of business as Bay Area Business Council, Inc., and is are owned by named defendants Peter J. Porcelli II or Bay Area Business Council, Inc. The Commission vote authorizing the staff action was 5-0. (FTC File No. X020103; staff contact is David A. O’Toole, FTC Midwest Region, 312-960-5601; see press release dated September 5, 2002.)