Ftc seeks court approval for settlement requiring frank romero’s payment over ppe delivery violations

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Andrew N. Ferguson Chairman | Federal Trade Commission

Ftc seeks court approval for settlement requiring frank romero’s payment over ppe delivery violations

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Frank Romero, who operated the company Trend Deploy, will be required to turn over the remaining funds in his bank and retirement accounts as part of a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC asked a court to approve this action after Romero failed to comply with a 2023 judgment. The original lawsuit accused Romero of not delivering personal protective equipment (PPE) as promised to consumers.

The FTC filed a complaint in June 2021 alleging that Romero advertised PPE such as N95 facemasks, claiming quick delivery despite having no basis for those promises. According to the agency, he did not deliver PPE on time or at all, failed to notify customers about delays, did not offer required cancellations and refunds under the Mail Order Rule, and often sent products of lower quality than ordered.

Based on these actions, the FTC charged Romero with violating the Mail Order Rule, the FTC Act, and the COVID-19 Consumer Protection Act. In May 2023, a court issued a final judgment and permanent injunction against Romero. The order required him to pay an amount so that consumers could be refunded for losses resulting from his violations.

Romero did not fully pay what was owed under this order. Since then, the FTC has taken steps such as obtaining writs of garnishment and freezing assets after judgment. The agency also filed a complaint seeking to unwind property transfers made by Romero.

The proposed court order announced by the FTC aims to resolve litigation in this case. If approved by the court, it will require Romero to make a cash payment and turn over assets from five accounts. The funds collected will be used by the FTC to refund affected consumers.

Additionally, Romero must relinquish all rights to these assets and cooperate with their transfer to the Commission. He remains bound by an earlier injunction issued against him.

The Commission approved filing of this proposed final order by a vote of 3-0. The proposed order has been submitted in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Ocala Division.

“Stipulated final orders have the force of law when approved and signed by the District Court judge.”

Staff attorneys Christopher Erickson and Brian Welke from the Bureau of Consumer Protection handled this matter for the FTC.

The Federal Trade Commission states its mission is to promote competition while protecting and educating consumers. More information is available at consumer.ftc.gov or through its reporting site ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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