FTC Consent Order Requires Debt Relief Provider to Cease Operations

FTC

FTC​On July 10, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that it had entered into a consent order permanently banning a state debt relief services provider from advertising or providing debt relief services.  The complaint, filed on January 26, alleged that the provider violated the Federal Trade Commission Act and Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act by misrepresenting to consumers that the provider could prevent repossession of their vehicles and lower their monthly auto loan payments regardless of their credit score for a $499 upfront fee.  The complaint also alleged that the provider told consumers that they could stop making loan payments without negative repercussions, and failed to honor a promised money-back guarantee.  In addition to permanently enjoining the provider from advertising or providing debt relief services, the consent order requires the provider to pay $330,000 to the FTC as equitable monetary relief.