The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is distributing over $2.8 million in refunds to consumers who were charged for supposed “free trial” offers for personal care products and supplements.
According to the FTC’s 2018 complaint, Apex Capital Group, Phillip Peikos, David Barnett, and related entities marketed “free trial” offers online but instead billed consumers the full price for the products and enrolled them in negative option continuity plans without their consent. The defendants allegedly used dozens of shell companies and straw owners in the United States and abroad to process credit and debit card payments.
The alleged online subscription scam by Apex Capital began in early 2014. The court issued an order halting the scheme in November 2018 at the Commission’s request.
The FTC is sending 153,940 checks totaling more than $2.8 million to affected consumers. Recipients should cash their checks within 90 days as indicated on the check.
Consumers with questions about their payment should contact the refund administrator, Analytics, at 844-541-3531 or visit the FTC’s website for frequently asked questions about the refund process. The Commission does not require people to pay money or provide account information to receive a refund.
The Commission’s interactive dashboards for refund data provide a state-by-state breakdown of refunds in FTC cases. In 2023, FTC actions led to $330 million in refunds to consumers across the country.
The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and protect and educate consumers. The FTC will never demand money, make threats, tell you to transfer money, or promise you a prize. More information on consumer topics and reporting scams can be found at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
