For Release
FTC Sending Refunds to Consumers who Bought Deceptively Marketed Indoor TV Antennas and Signal Amplifiers from Wellco, Inc.
Brand names included TV Scout, SkyWire, SkyLink, and Tilt TV
The Federal Trade Commission is sending refunds totaling more than $580,000 to consumers nationwide who bought indoor TV antennas and signal amplifiers marketed online using deceptive claims that the products would let them cancel their cable service and still receive their favorite channels for free. Each check is for $14.14.
According to a March 2021 complaint, Wellco, Inc. and its owner and CEO, George M. Moscone violated the FTC Act by making deceptive performance claims for their antennas and signal amplifiers and using deceptive consumer endorsements and web pages that looked like objective news reports. The products were sold online under the brand names TV Scout, SkyWire, SkyLink, and Tilt TV.
The order settling the Commission’s charges prohibits the defendants from making false or unsubstantiated claims such as those alleged in the complaint and provides for the payment of refunds to defrauded consumers.
More than 40,000 consumers are receiving refund checks. Consumers who receive checks should cash them within 90 days, as indicated on the check. Consumers who have questions about their refunds should call Analytics Consulting LLC, the administrator for this case, at 1-877-629-1728.
The FTC’s interactive dashboards for refund data provide a state-by-state breakdown of FTC refunds. In 2022, FTC actions led to more than $462 million in refunds to consumers across the country, but recently the United States Supreme Court ruled 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.
The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. The FTC will never demand money, make threats, tell you to transfer money, or promise you a prize. You can learn more about how competition benefits consumers or file an antitrust complaint. Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, read our blogs, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.
Contact Information
Contact for Consumers
Consumer Redress Hotline