FTC Returns Money to Victims of Debt Collection Scheme

The Federal Trade Commission is mailing 3,446 checks totaling more than $830,000 to people who lost money to Centro Natural Corp and Sumore LLC, a telemarketing scheme whose operators were banned from debt collection and telemarketing under a settlement with the FTC.

According to the complaint, the defendants used international telemarketers to target Spanish-speaking consumers and demand they pay bogus debts. Callers claimed to be government officials, and threatened people who refused to pay with arrest, legal actions and immigration investigations. These telemarketers also pressured people into paying for unwanted products by telling them it would “settle” their debt.

People who lost money to this scheme will get an average of $240.95 back. Recipients should deposit or cash checks within 60 days.

The FTC never requires people to pay money or provide account information to cash refund checks. If you have questions about the case, contact the FTC’s refund administrator, Analytics, at 844-449-3585. Or visit www.ftc.gov/refunds to learn more about the FTC’s refund program.

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.