FTC Returns Money to Consumers Who Bought Purported Business Coaching Programs

The Federal Trade Commission is mailing 7,583 checks totaling more than $2.2 million to people who lost money to a telemarketing scheme offering business coaching services. As alleged in the FTC’s complaints, the defendants falsely promised consumers they would earn substantial income from home-based Internet businesses if they used the defendants’ services.

In June 2017, the defendants, who operated under various names, including Professional Learning Institute, Pinnacle Learning Institute, Advantage Education, and Discover Education, were banned from selling business coaching services and work-at-home opportunities under settlements with the FTC.

Each check is worth $295. Recipients should deposit or cash checks within 60 days. The FTC never requires people to pay money or provide account information to cash a refund check. If recipients have questions about the case, they should contact the FTC’s refund administrator, Rust Consulting Inc., at 855-225-1885.

FTC law enforcement actions led to more than $6.4 billion in refunds for consumers in a one-year period between July 2016 and June 2017. To learn more about the FTC’s refund program, visit www.ftc.gov/refunds.

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.