FTC Returns Money to Victims of Business Directory Scheme

The Federal Trade Commission is mailing 974 checks totaling more than $535,000 to businesses and nonprofit organizations that lost money to the Fair Guide business directory scheme, which tricked them into paying for online directory listings they didn’t want. As a result of the FTC’s action, the company and its principals were banned from the business directory business.

Organizations that lost money are getting back approximately 24 percent of their loss, an average of $549.37. 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.

People who have questions about the case can contact the refund administrator, Rust Consulting, Inc., at 877-657-8808.

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.