14 DAY TRIAL // A total of 20 corporate and individual defendants, involved in a scheme that falsely promised to help consumers start their online businesses, have agreed to settle a case brought against them by the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
According to the FTC, the scammers promised individuals that they would create and host websites, and provide them with marketing expertise. The victims were told that they would make money every time shoppers clicked through these websites to purchase things from Fortune 500 companies.
The settlement bans the defendants from selling work-at-home business opportunities. They’re also prohibited from misrepresenting facts about products and services.
The settlement also imposes a suspended $17.9 million (€13.7 million) judgment against each of the scammers, except for one of them, Sarah Stapel.
Stapel has been ordered to pay $79,070 (€59,000), but the judgment has been suspended because of her inability to pay.