A lawsuit by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has brought an end to a business opportunity scam operated by Ecommerce Empire Builders (EEB). The company, along with its owner Peter Prusinowski, also known as Peter Pru, was accused of luring consumers with false promises of substantial profits through online storefronts.
The FTC's complaint alleged that EEB charged nearly $2,000 for training programs and up to $35,000 for "done for you" online storefronts. Despite promises of monthly profits reaching $10,000, many consumers reportedly faced significant losses. According to the complaint, Prusinowski used consumer funds for personal enrichment without delivering on the promised returns.
Christopher Mufarrige, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, stated: “The defendants’ brazen scheme took advantage of would-be entrepreneurs. Today’s announcement shows the FTC will shut down these schemes permanently.”
Under a court order agreed upon by EEB and Prusinowski, they are banned from selling any business opportunities. They must also refrain from making unsubstantiated earnings claims and cannot enforce contracts that prevent consumers from reviewing or reporting their practices. Furthermore, they are required to surrender assets including rental properties and luxury watches to fund consumer refunds.
The order includes a monetary judgment of $9,786,124 against EEB and Prusinowski. This amount is partially suspended due to their inability to pay in full. However, if they are found to have misrepresented their financial status or assets to the FTC, the entire judgment becomes immediately payable.
The Commission's vote on the stipulated final order was unanimous at 3-0. The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania entered the order on May 8, 2025.
Amanda Grier and Ryan McAuliffe from the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection served as staff attorneys on this case.
The FTC emphasizes its role in promoting competition while protecting and educating consumers. It advises individuals not to respond to demands for money or threats purportedly from them and encourages reporting fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
