Announced Action for August 27, 2002

The Commission has authorized the staff to file an amended complaint in the action currently pending against Credit Enhancement Services, et al. The complaint, announced by the FTC on April 15, 2002 as part of the "Dialing for Deception" joint federal/state anti-telemarketing fraud sweep, concerns allegations that the defendants operated a deceptive advance fee credit card scheme. Through the amended complaint, the FTC has named Check Fee, LLC, also known as Titanium Blue; Broadway Management, LLC; Port of Call Centers, LLC; and Port of Call Centers NY, LLC, as additional limited liability company defendants in this matter. Defendant Frederick J. Dick, Jr. owns each company. The Commission vote authorizing the staff to file the amended complaint was 5-0. (FTC File No. X020047; the staff contact is Michelle Stolls, FTC Northeast Region Office, 212-607-2834; see press release dated April 15, 2002.)

Copies of the documents mentioned in this release are available from the FTC's Web site at http://www.ftc.gov and also from the FTC's Consumer Response Center, Room 130, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20580. Call toll-free: 1-877-FTC-HELP.