FTC Mailing Commerce Planet, Global Access Refunds

The Federal Trade Commission is sending refund checks to consumers affected by two scams — a tech support scam and a “free” internet auction kit scam.

Tech Support Scam — Global Access Technical Support

The Federal Trade Commission is sending refund checks and PayPal payments to 12,140 customers affected by a tech support scam. The refunds total more than $802,000. Reportedly, the average refund amount is $66.

The refunds are the result of a settlement in which Global Access Technical Support agreed to pay to the federal government and to customers to end claims that it tricked customers into buying technical support services that they did not need.

The company agreed to settle with the FTC to avoid the risks associated with continued litigation.

Global Access Technical Support also reportedly went by the names Global sMind, Global S Connect, Yubdata Tech, and Technolive.

The Federal Trade Commission accused Global Access Technical Support of tricking customers into thinking that their computer was infected by viruses or malware, by showing them pop-up ads. Allegedly, the ads encouraged customers to call a number for technical help.

The FTC said that customers who called the number were connected with telemarketers who lied and said that they worked with Apple or Microsoft. Allegedly, these telemarketers then told customers that they needed access to the customers’ computer to rid the computer of the virus.

The FTC said that finally, the telemarketers would trick customers into thinking that a very normal directory present on their computer was a sign of the virus or malware. Allegedly, the telemarketers would trick customers into believing that they needed to purchase technical support to fix a virus problem that didn’t exist.

The FTC advises that customers who received a refund check have 60 days to deposit their check, and customers who received a PayPal payment have 30 days to accept the payment.

Those with questions about the Global Access Technical Support refund checks can contact Analytics Consulting at 1-844-881-1379.

“Free” Internet Auction Kit Scam — Commerce Planet

The Federal Trade Commission is also mailing 53,595 refund checks to customers around the country to customers affected by a Commerce Planet free internet kit scam. The refund checks total $748,070. The average refund per consumer is not listed.

The Federal Trade Commission accused Commerce Planet and three of its principals of tricking customers into signing up for an online auction kit that they claimed was free, but actually came with extensive fees. Allegedly, the kit cost $59.95 per month if customers did not cancel their trial membership.

Allegedly, the kits were part of a so-called “business opportunity program” called Online Supplier. Allegedly, Commerce Planet enrolled customers in the Online Supplier program without their consent, and charged them monthly fees.

Per a settlement deal with the FTC, the company and two of its principals have agreed to pay refunds to affected customers and have agreed to stop engaging in deceptive marketing around their products. The company also agreed to settle with the FTC to avoid the risks associated with continued litigation.

The FTC advises that those who receive refund checks should deposit or cash them within 60 days.

Those with questions regarding the Commerce Planet refunds are encouraged to call Analytics Consulting at 1-844-817-0897.

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