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$103.3 millionjudgment in the FTC's first tax relief case; more than $15 million was surrendered

The FTC's first tax relief case ended in 2013 with a $103.3 million judgment, suspended once the defendants surrendered more than $15 million in cash and assets, including a 2005 Ferrari.

The FTC alleged the company advertised on TV, radio and the internet, routed 'free consultation' calls to commission-based sales reps and charged upfront fees of $3,200 to $25,000. The order permanently banned the operators from telemarketing and selling debt relief.

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Source: Federal Trade Commission · Federal Trade Commission. Read more: tax debt relief scam · case file

Sources

  1. FTC Settlement: Tax Relief Scammers Agree to Pay More Than $15 Million. Federal Trade Commission. Accessed 2026-09-28. Supports: The 2013 settlement: the $103.3 million judgment, the more than $15 million in surrendered assets, the permanent bans, the suspension terms and the FTC's 'first action against a tax relief company' description.
  2. At FTC's Request, Court Halts Tax Relief Scam That Collected More Than $60 Million. Federal Trade Commission. Accessed 2026-09-28. Supports: The September 2010 restraining order, the court, the $3,200-$25,000 fees, the advertising channels, the 'free consultation' sales routing, the false claims alleged and the April 2010 search warrant.