FTC Mailing Refund Checks From Computer Repair, Weight Loss Scams

Top Class Actions viewers may be receiving FTC refund checks related to a computer repair scam operated by Troth Solutions and a weight-loss supplement scheme managed by Direct Alternatives.

Troth Solutions Tech Support Refund Checks

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is reportedly sending out checks to consumers who paid Troth Solutions for repairs to computers or other services when they did not need them.

Consumers affected by the computer repair scheme will be paid out of a settlement fund secured by the FTC through litigation. Checks from the settlement average about $380, while 70 consumers will receive more than $26,000.

The FTC took legal action against the company last year, alleging that Troth Solutions pretended to be associated with major technology companies and tricked them into believing that their computers needed repairs after being infected with viruses and malware.

High pressure tactics were allegedly used in persuading unknowing consumers into repairs, service plans, software, and other products. This scheme resulted in consumers paying hundreds of dollars for repairs their computers did not need.

The settlement for this round of refund checks was reached in October 2017 between the tech company and the FTC. The settlement secured payment for affected customers and prohibits the company from further deceptive behaviors that take advantage of consumers.

Consumers who receive a refund check from this FTC settlement should cash it within 60 days. Further questions can be directed to refund administrator Rust Consulting at 877-874-7557.

Direct Alternatives Supplements Refund Checks

The FTC is also mailing $3.5 million worth of checks to consumers who purchased Direct Alternative weight loss supplements AF Plus and Final Trim. The 104,612 checks mailed by the FTC average at $33.12 each and should be received by consumers within the next week.

These refund checks will compensate consumers for the alleged Direct Alternative and Original Organics LLC scheme that wrongfully advertised their supplements by claiming that their benefits were “proven” by scientific studies.

The FTC and the Maine Attorney General’s Office charged the two companies and their owners with violations of the FTC Act and Maine consumer protection laws in February 2016. The offices claimed that the companies made more than $16 million in profits from their AF Plus and Final Trim supplements between 2012 and 2016 at the expense of consumers.

According to the FTC, the settlement between the companies and the agencies ban the supplement manufacturers from claiming that “any dietary supplement, over-the-counter drug, patch, cream, wrap, or other product worn on, or rubbed into, the skin can cause rapid or substantial weight loss or can cause a certain amount of weight loss over a certain period.”

The agreement also bans the companies from using “free trial” offers which allow consumers to try the products “risk free” but automatically enrolls the consumers in subscriptions to the products or programs resulting in monthly charges.

The companies were also ordered to liquidate a “substantial” portion of their assets to fund consumer refunds.

Consumers who receive a refund check from this FTC settlement should cash it within 60 days. Further questions can be directed to refund administrator Epiq Systems at 888-842-3154.