14 DAY TRIAL // Back in March, The US Federal Trade Commission filed complaints against a number of individuals suspected of running SMS scams that promised users free Apple products and gift cards. A group of defendants have agreed to settle the charges brought against them.
According to the FTC, Cresta Pillsbury, Jan-Paul Diaz, Joshua Brewer and Daniel Stanitski operated a company called Ecommerce Merchants (Superior Affiliate Management).
They’re said to have sent out over 30 million deceptive SMS messages that promised iPhones, iPads and $1,000 (€750) gift cards.
Those who fell for the scam were tricked into handing over personal information, subscribing to paid services, or making purchases.
The scammers have been banned from running such operations. They’ve also been ordered to pay $356,950 (€264,000), representing the amount of money they’ve earned through their schemes. However, since they’re unable to pay the money, the judgment has been suspended.