Consumers Deceived into Buying Business Coaching Program Can Expect Refunds

most customers of the program did not develop a successful online business, and instead ended up in debt

Consumers who were duped into purchasing business coaching services will soon be receiving a refund from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

The agency is mailing 3,633 checks totaling more than $969,000 to people who lost money to a telemarketing scheme that promoted business coaching services to people who wanted to start internet businesses.

Debt, Not Success

In January 2018, the Internet Teaching and Training Specialists, LLC (ITT) defendants were banned from selling business coaching services and business opportunities under a settlement with the FTC. ITT sold a business coaching program provided by Guidance Interactive, a company that also settled with the FTC.

According to the FTC's complaint, despite these defendants' promises, most of their customers did not develop a successful online business, and instead ended up in debt.

Each impacted consumer will receive a refund check in the amount of $266.78. Recipients should deposit or cash their checks within 60 days or they will become void.

Watch out for Scams

Remember, the FTC never requires consumers to pay money or provide personal information to cash refund checks. If anyone asks for such information, it could be a scam. Any suspected fraud attempts should be reported to the FTC immediately.

Get More Info

Consumers with questions about this case or the refund process should contact the FTC's refund administrator, Rust Consulting, at (888) 812-1569.

To learn more about the FTC's refund program, visit ftc.gov/refunds.