FTC SENDS CHECKS TO PEOPLE WHO PAID FOR BUSINESS COACHING SERVICES
The FTC is mailing a fourth round of checks totaling more than $1.4 million to people who bought business coaching services from a telemarketing scheme that promised to help them create successful internet businesses. The telemarketing scheme operated under various names, including: Professional Learning Institute, Pinnacle Learning Institute, Advantage Education, and Discover Education.
According to the FTC, these companies falsely promised that people who paid high upfront fees to use their services would create successful online businesses. Under settlements with the FTC, the defendants agreed to be banned from selling business coaching services and work-at-home opportunities.
The FTC mailed the first round of checks in January 2018, the second round of checks in December 2018, and the third round of checks in October 2021. These distributions resulted in more than $5.9 million in refunds. The funds for the current distribution come from the case against First Data Merchant Services LLC, a company that processed payments for the defendants. Because money still remains in the fund, the FTC is mailing an additional 3,320 checks totaling over $1.4 million to people who previously cashed a check in this matter.
If you get a check, please cash it within 90 days.
You can find answers to common questions about refund payments on our FAQ page. If you have any other questions, please call the refund administrator at 1-855-225-1885.