FTC Sends Full Refunds Totaling Over $2 Million to Consumers who Lost Money Through Deceptive Direct Mail Publications Scheme

The Federal Trade Commission is sending 34,893 checks and PayPal refunds totaling more than $2 million to consumers who lost money through a deceptive direct mail publications scheme. Agora Financial, LLC, NewMarket Health, and other related defendants tricked consumers into buying pamphlets, newsletters, and other publications through false promises and deceptive marketing.  The refunds will provide full compensation for consumers who bought certain health- and finance-related publications sold by the defendants.

According to an October 2019 FTC complaint, the Agora defendants primarily targeted its publications, including The Doctor’s Guide to Reversing Diabetes in 28 Days, at older consumers nationwide. Agora falsely marketed The Doctor’s Guide as a simple and scientifically proven protocol that can permanently cure type 2 diabetes in 28 days, without any changes in diet or exercise.

The FTC also alleged that the Agora defendants deceptively marketed Congress’ Secret $1.17 Trillion Giveaway, falsely promising that the book would show consumers how to claim hundreds to thousands of dollars to which they are entitled in “Congressional Checks” or “Republican Checks.”

The FTC is using the money it recovered from Agora Financial and related defendants to provide consumer refunds totaling $2,052,868, via paper checks and PayPal. People who receive refund checks should deposit or cash them within 90 days, as indicated on the check. PayPal refunds will be available for 30 days after they are issued. Recipients who have questions about their refund can call the administrator, Ankura Consulting Group, LLC, at 1-833-460-2437. The FTC never requires people to pay money or provide account information to cash a refund check.

In 2020, FTC actions led to more than $483 million in refunds to consumers across the country, but the United States Supreme Court ruled earlier this year that the FTC lacks authority under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief in federal court going forward. The Commission has urged Congress to restore the FTC’s ability to get money back for consumers.