(209) 445-2001

Guy Keeps Calling Me Saying He's Coming Over To Stick His Fat Sausage Fingers In Me... Can't Wait!

My business has been approved for a $250, 000 business loan

At the Federal Trade Commission’s request, a federal district court in Arizona has temporarily shut down a fraudulent telemarketing scheme that allegedly bilked more than $9 million from thousands of consumers across the nation, many of whom are elderly and live on a fixed income, including military veterans.

According to the FTC’s complaint, the defendants cold-call consumers and urge them to buy or invest in e-commerce websites, or websites that link to popular e-commerce websites, such as Amazon.com. The defendants falsely promise lavish returns and assure skeptical consumers that their investment is “risk free” or that it comes with a “100 percent money back guarantee.”

The defendants have allegedly received payments from consumers ranging from several hundred dollars to more than $20,000. During the first 90 days after consumers authorize payment by credit card, the defendants respond to their calls, assuring them that their “account” is earning substantial money that will be paid at the end of the quarter. The defendants allegedly use stall tactics to dissuade skeptical consumers from disputing the charges (many credit cards include a 90-day limit on consumers’ ability to dispute charges). After 90 days, the FTC alleges that the defendants typically cease all contact with their victims, who receive neither the promised returns nor refunds.

Three owners and operators, Susan Rodriguez, Matthew Rodriguez and William “Matt” Whitley, and their six corporations, Advertising Strategies LLC, Internet Advertising Solutions LLC, Internet Resource Group Inc., Network Advertising Systems LLC, Network Professional Systems LLC, and Network Solutions Group Inc. They are charged with violating the FTC Act and the Telemarketing Sales Rule, including calling numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Frank Dorman
Office of Public Affairs
202-326-2674

STAFF CONTACT:
Jody Goodman
Bureau of Consumer Protection
202-326-3096

Wanted to lend me money. Payday loan