Perpetrator’s prize promotions defrauded consumers of $28 million worldwide.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that Victor Ramirez has agreed to a settlement that permanently bans him from operating sweepstakes or making prize claims to consumers. The FTC’s 2015 complaint accused him of running a large sweepstakes scam that defrauded consumers out of over $28 million globally. The settlement ensures he cannot engage in any sweepstakes or prize promotions nor use consumer information acquired through these deceptive practices.
“We are pleased that this settlement will keep the last individual defendant in this sweepstakes scam from harming consumers with bogus prize claims,” said Director Samuel Levine of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Since the Supreme Court’s decision in AMG, we are no longer able to return money to consumers who’ve been harmed. It is urgent that Congress restore the Commission’s ability to make consumers whole when they are targeted by scammers.”
The FTC charged Ramirez and others with scamming consumers through personalized letters falsely claiming they had won large cash prizes, provided they paid a $20-30 fee.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For discernment for Chair Line Khan as she oversees the commission.
- For the commissioners to be prudent in their actions and cases against businesses and individuals who have defrauded consumers.
- For Director Levine to be led by the Lord as he heads the Bureau of Consumer Protection.
Sources: Federal Trade Commission
