FTC International Activities: Consumer Protection Federal Court Cases With Cross-Border Components

(FILED BETWEEN JANUARY 2000 AND NOVEMBER 2008)

2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000

This list of cross-border cases includes cases filed where public information indicates that one or more of the defendants is located abroad and/or there is some other significant foreign component, such as a large number of foreign victims, efforts to recover substantial foreign assets, or substantial investigative assistance by a foreign law enforcement authority. It does not attempt to capture every case involving foreign victims, foreign evidence, or foreign assets; many cases have some such connection, and this information is not always readily identifiable from public filings.

2008 Cases
No. Case Caption Harmful Conduct Alleged Cross-Border Component(s) Initial Press Release
1. FTC v. Innovative Marketing, Inc., also d/b/a Billingnow, BillPlanet PTE Ltd., Globedat, Innovative Marketing Ukraine, et. al Civil Action No.: RDB 08CV3233 (D. Maryland, filed Dec. 2, 2008) Defendants violated the FTC Act by misrepresenting that they conducted scans of consumers' computers and detected a variety of security or privacy issues. British and Canadian defendants. One of the companies was incorporated in Belize and maintains offices in Ukraine. /opa/2008/12/winsoftware.shtm
2. FTC and the State of Nevada v. Cash Today, Ltd., a United Kingdom corporation, et. al Case 3:08-cv-00590-BES-VPC (D. Nev., filed Nov. 6, 2008) Defendants violated the FTC Act, Truth in Lending Act, and Regulation Z. by not disclosing key loan terms to U.S. consumers and using abusive and deceptive collection tactics. Defendants based in the United Kingdom. /opa/2008/11/cashtoday.shtm
3. FTC v. Lance Thomas Atkinson, Inet Ventures Pty Ltd, an Australian proprietary company, Jody Michael Smith, Tango Pay Inc., a Delaware corporation, Twobucks Trading Limited, a Cyprus limited liability company, Civil Action No.: 08-CV-5666 (N.D. Ill., filed Oct. 9, 2008) Defendants violated the CAN-SPAM act by deceptively marketing a variety of products through spam messages, including a male-enhancement pill, prescription drugs, and a weight-loss pill. Defendants were working in New Zealand, U.S., and Cyprus. Assistance provided to the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs and the Australian Communications and Media Authority. /opa/2007/10/hoodia.shtm  
4. FTC v. 9107-4021 Quebec, Inc. d/b/a Med Provisions et al., Civil Action No.: 1:08-cv-01051-DCN (N.D. Ohio, filed Aug. 12, 2008) Defendants violated the FTC Act and the Telemarketing Sales Rule by making misrepresentations to consumers in the United States about an online pharmacy and their Medicare benefits. Defendants based in Montreal, Canada. Canada's Competition Bureau provided substantial investigative assistance in this case, and is pursuing its own ongoing investigation of these telemarketers. /opa/2008/05/telephoney.shtm  
5. FTC v. 6554962 Canada Inc., d/b/a Union Consumer Benefits and Naeem Alvi,Civil Action No.: 1:08-cv-02309 (N.D. Ill., filed Jun. 9, 2008) Defendants violated the FTC Act and the Telemarketing Service Rule by telemarketing worthless medical discount packages to elderly consumers throughout the United States. Defendants also violated the law by calling many consumers on the Do Not Call Registry. Defendants based in Canada. /opa/2008/05/telephoney.shtm  
6. FTC v. Datacom Marketing Inc., et al., Civil Action No.: 06 C 2574 (N.D. Ill., May 6, 2008) Defendants charged with running a cross-border fraud operation and scamming American businesses into paying for business directories and listings they didn=t order. This case was brought with the assistance of Canada's Competition Bureau, the Service de Police de la Ville de Montreal, and the Toronto Strategic Partnership /opa/2008/05/datacom.shtm   
7. FTC v. Alternatel, Inc., et al., Civil Action No.: 1:08-cv-21433-AJ (S.D. Fla., May 19, 2008 Defendants violated the FTC Act by misrepresenting the number of calling card minutes consumers get, failing to disclose that consumers' cards would be charged whether or not the calls go through, and charging hidden fees. Defendants marketed prepaid calling cards to call friends and family in other countries. Assistance provided by the consumer protection agencies of Columbia, Egypt, El Salvador, Mexico, Panama, and Peru. /opa/2008/06/alternatel.shtm  
8. FTC v. 1522838 Ontario Inc., a corporation, d/b/a International Industrial Trade Directory, et al., Civil Action No.: 06C-5378 (N.D. Ill, filed Apr. 15, 2008) The Defendant, a Kenyan citizen and Canadian resident, violated the FTC Act by misleading consumers into believing they owed money for advertising and other products and services that were not ordered and never delivered. This case was brought with the assistance of the Toronto Strategic Partnership. /opa/2008/04/industrialtrade.shtm  
9. FTC v. Oleg Oks, et al., Civil Action No.: 1:05-cv-05389 (N.D. Ill, filed Mar. 18, 2008) Defendants violated the FTC Act and the Telemarketing Sales Rule by debiting money from consumer bank accounts, on the promise that the defendants could deliver Visa or MasterCard credit cards, along with free gifts such as cell phones. This case was brought with the assistance of the Toronto Strategic Partnership and United Kingdom's Office of Fair Trading. /opa/2008/05/pacliberty.shtm   
10. FTC v. Clifton Telecard Alliance One LLC, et al., Civil Action No.: 2:08-cv-1480-pgs-es (D. N.J., filed Apr. 2, 2008) Defendants violated the FTC Act by misrepresenting the number of calling card minutes consumers get, failing to disclose that consumers' cards would be charged whether or not the calls go through, and charging hidden fees. Assistance provided by the consumer protection agencies of Columbia, Egypt, El Salvador, Mexico, Panama, and Peru. /opa/2008/03/cta.shtm  
2007 Cases
No. Case Caption Harmful Conduct Alleged Cross-Border Component(s) Initial Press Release
1. FTC, State of Illinois, State of Iowa, State of Nevada, State of North Carolina, State of North Dakota, State of Ohio, and State of Vermont v. Your Money Access, LLC, et al., Civil Action No.:07-547 (E.D. Pa. filed Dec. 6, 2007) Defendants, a payment processing company, violated federal and state laws by debiting, or attempting to debit from consumers' bank accounts on behalf of numerous fraudulent telemarketers and Internet-based merchants. Defendants' clients included foreign entities such as Canadian telemarketers. /opa/2007/12/yma.shtm  
2. FTC v. v. B.C. Ltd. 0763496, d.b.a. Cash Corner Services, Inc  et. al., Civ. Action No.: C07-1755 (W.D. Wa., filed Nov. 19, 2007) Defendants violated the FTC Act and the Telemarketing Service Rule by running a bogus lottery and prize promotion scam that provided consumers with counterfeit cashier's checks and false promises of large prizes Defendants based in Canada. /opa/2007/11/cashcorner.shtm
3. FTC v. Spear Systems, Inc.  et al., Civ. Action No.: 07C-5597 (N.D. Ill., filed Oct. 3, 2007) Defendants violated the FTC Act and the CAN-SPAM Act by sending unwanted and illegal e-mail messages about hoodia weight-loss products and human growth hormone anti-aging products and making claims about those products that are false and unsubstantiated. Defendants based in Australia and Canada. /opa/2007/10/hoodia.shtm
4. FTC  v. Practical Marketing, Inc. et. al., Civil Action No.: 3:07-cv-00685-JPG-DGW (S.D. Ill., filed Sept. 28, 2007) Defendants violated the FTC Act and the Telemarketing Sales Rule by assisting telemarketers who were purchasing lists in order to solicit U.S. consumers to pay advance fees to get Aguaranteed" credit cards with substantial credit limits.  The lists included consumers' credit card and bank account information, exposing thousands of consumers to possible identity theft, and violating federal law.      Defendants sold lists to Canadian telemarketers. /opa/2007/10/listbrokers.shtm
5. FTC v. Sili Neutraceuticals, LLC, and Brian McDaid, individually and doing business as Kaycon Ltd., Civil Action No.: 07C 4541 (N.D. Ill., filed Aug. 13, 2007) Defendants violated the FTC Act and the CAN SPAM Act by sending unwanted and illegal e-mail messages about hoodia weight-loss products and human growth hormone anti-aging products and making claims about those products that are false and unsubstantiated. Defendants' companies based  in the Caribbean. /opa/2007/08/hoodia.shtm
6. FTC v. 9131‑4740 Quebec, Inc., doing business as Fusion Telekom, Case No. 07‑cv‑02242 (N.D. Ohio, filed Jul. 25, 2007)        Defendants violated Telemarketing Sales Rule and the FTC Act by deceptively marketing telephone calling cards. Defendants based in Canada. /opa/2007/07/fusion.shtm
7. FTC v. Crystal Ewing, David Ewing, Consumer Direct Enterprises, Top Choice, Classic Productions, and Response Processing, FTC No. 062‑3025 (D. Nev.,  filed Apr. 11, 2007) Defendants ran a deceptive prize promotion scheme.  Consumers were mislead into paying a processing fee in order to receive a cash prize, but none of the consumers received the promotional prize. Defendants targeted consumers in the U.S., Canada, and the UK. /opa/2007/04/consumerdirect.shtm
8. FTC v. Select Personnel Mgt. Inc. et al., Case. No. 07C 0529 (N.D. Ill., filed Jan. 29, 2007) Defendants engaged in fraudulent telemarketing to consumers throughout the U.S., falsely claiming they could reduce consumers' credit card interest rates. Defendants based in Canada. /opa/2007/02/sms.shtm
9. FTC v. International Product Design, Case No. 1:97‑CV‑01114‑AVB (E.D. Va., filed Jan. 8, 2007) Defendants deceptively marketed invention promotion services One of the original defendants was based in UK. /opa/2007/03/ipd.shtm
2006 Cases
No. Case Caption Harmful Conduct Alleged Cross-Border Component(s) Initial Press Release
1. FTC v. InterBill, Ltd. and Thomas Well, Case No. CV‑S‑06 (D. Nev., filed Dec. 26, 2006) Defendants debited consumers' accounts using information provided by Pharmacycards despite indications that Pharmacycards operations were bogus. Pharmacycards provided a London, England mail drop as a business address, had a call center in Montreal, Canada, and wired their funds to a Cyprus bank account. /opa/2007/01/interbill.shtm
2. FTC v. Global Marketing Group, Global Business Solutions, Globalpay, and Ira Rubin, Case No. 8:06‑ CV 022272 JSM‑ TGW (M.D. F. filed Dec. 8, 2006) Defendants assisted 9 advance fee telemarketing schemes. Telemarketers from Canada targeted consumers with poor credit and deceptively induced consumers to authorize an electronic debit of their accounts in exchange for an unsecured credit card. Defendants aided Canadian-based telemarketers. /opa/2006/12/globalmarketing.shtm
3. FTC v. 1522838 Ontario Inc., doing business as International Industry Trade Directory, Case No. 06C‑5378 (N.D. Ill., filed Oct. 4, 2006) Defendants defrauded U.S. businesses by misleading consumers into believing they owed money for advertising and other products which were not ordered and never delivered. Defendants based in Canada. FTC investigated case with members of the Toronto Strategic Partnership. /opa/2006/10/iitd.shtm
4. FTC v.  Remote Response Corp., et al., Case No. 06-20168-CIV-Altonaga/Turnoff
(S.D.  Fla., filed Jan.  23, 2006)		 Defendants engaged in unlawful telemarketing of advance fee credit cards and associated benefit cards to Hispanic consumers. Foreign Assets. /opa/2006/01/sandiego.shtm
2005 Cases
No. Case Caption Harmful Conduct Alleged Cross-Border Component(s) Initial Press Release
1. FTC v.  Brian McMullen d/b/a BM Entertainment and B Pimp, Case No.  05 C 6911 (N.D. Ill., filed Dec.  8, 2005) Defendant violated the CAN SPAM Act by sending spam with false "from" information and misleading subject lines, and by failing to provide an "opt-out" option or a physical address. Defendant purchased IP addresses connected to proxypot server based in Amsterdam to send illegal spam messages.   /opa/2005/12/buttonpushers.shtm
2. FTC v.  Enternet Media Inc., CV 05-7777 (C.D. Ca., filed Nov.  20, 2005) Defendants engaged in false advertising to lure consumers into downloading spyware and adware on their computers. Defendants operate related Internet dialer business in Europe. /opa/2005/11/enternet.shtm
3. FTC  v.  USA Beverages, Inc. et al., Civ.  A.  No.  05 - 61682 Civ-Lenard (S.D. Fla., filed Oct.  19, 2005) Defendants used VOIP technology in telemarketing bogus business opportunity (display coffee racks) to consumers Defendants based in Costa Rica.  Defendants used VOIP technology to disguise their location. /opa/2005/11/usabeverage.shtm
4. FTC v.  John Raymond Bezeredi et al., CV 5-1739 (W.D. Wa., filed Oct.  17, 2005) Defendant targeted elderly U.S. consumers in connection with offering nonexistent foreign bonds and supposed cash prizes Defendant based in Canada; transferred assets offshore. /opa/2005/10/bezeredi.shtm
5. FTC v. Odysseus Mktg.  Inc. et al., (D.N.H. ) Defendants secretly installed adware and spyware on consumers' computers that could not be uninstalled Programmers hired by defendants based in foreign locations.  Foreign adware companies involved. /opa/2005/10/odysseus.shtm
6. FTC v.  Oleg Oks et al. [Pacific Liberty], Civ.  A.  No.  05 C 5389 (N.D. Ill., filed Sept.  19, 2005) Defendants engaged in deceptive telemarketing of  non-existent advance fee credit cards to consumers Defendants based in Canada /opa/2005/09/pacificlibertycenturion.shtm
7. FTC v.  Centurion Financial Benefits LLC et al., Civ.  A. No.  05 C 5542 (N.D. Ill., filed Sept.  21, 2005) Defendants engaged in deceptive telemarketing of  non-existent advance fee credit cards to consumers Defendants based in Canada /opa/2005/09/pacificlibertycenturion.shtm
8. FTC. v. Cleverlink Trading Ltd., et al., Case No. 05 C 2889 (N.D. Ill., filed May 16, 2005) Defendants sent illegal spam to drive consumers to adult-oriented "Date Lonely Wives" websites. Defendants used companies incorporated in Cyprus and Belize and payment processor based in the Carribean. /opa/2005/05/housewives.shtm
9. FTC and The People of the State of California v. Opt-In Global Inc., d/b/a Vision Media Ltd., C 05 1502 SC (N.D. Cal., filed Apr. 5, 2005) Defendants sent illegal spam touting mortgage loans and other products and services. One corporate defendant incorporated in Commonwealth of Dominica. /opa/2005/04/optin.shtm
10. FTC v. 9125-8954 Quebec Inc., a corporation d/b/a Global Management Solutions, et al., Civil Action No. CV-005-0265 (W.D. Wa., filed Mar.  2, 2005) Defendants made misrepresentations to trick consumers into paying for unordered business directories and listings in the directories and harassed consumers for non-payment of accounts. Defendants based in Canada. /opa/2005/03/abs.shtm
11. FTC v. Sun Ray Trading, Inc. et al., Civil Action No.: 05-20402 CIV-Seitz (S.D. Fla., filed Feb. 10, 2005) Defendants sent illegal spam and made misrepresentations on Internet web sites for work-at-home employment scheme. One defendant based in Dominican Republic. /opa/2005/02/bizoppflop.shtm
12. FTC v. Sobonito Investments Ltd., Civ. A. No. 05C 580 (N.D. Ill., filed Feb. 1, 2005) Defendants sent spam with deceptive subject lines that disguised the sexually explicit contents of the spam.  Defendants also used false header information, identifying innocent third parties, as the sender of the spam. Defendant incorporated in Cyprus; assets offshore. h/opa/2005/02/sobonito.shtm
13. FTC v. Global Net Solutions Inc. et al., Civil Action No.: CV-S-05-0002-PMP-LRL
(D. Nev., filed Jan. 3, 2005)		 Defendants sent illegal spam with disguised the sexually explicit contents of the spam.  Defendants also used false header information, identifying innocent third parties, as the sender of the spam and failed to include opt-out link.  Defendants also misrepresented that membership for adult service website was free. Some corporate defendants based in the U.K. and Latvia. /opa/2005/01/globalnetsolutions.shtm
2004 Cases
No. Case Caption Harmful Conduct Alleged Cross-Border Component(s) Initial Press Release
1. FTC v. Capital Acquisitions & Management Corp. et al.,  Civ. A. No. 04 C 50147 (N.D. Ill., filed Dec. 2, 2004) Defendants engaged in illegal debt collection practices, harassing consumers for unenforceable debts and debts consumers never incurred. Principal defendants maintained offices in Jamaica; another related defendant incorporated in British Virgin Islands with principal place of business in Jamaica. /opa/2004/12/camco.shtm
2. FTC v.  Xtel Mktg.  Inc.  d/b/a/ Millenium Mktg., Civl A. No.: 04C 7238e (N.D. Ill., filed Nov. 9, 2004) Defendants posed as employees of Social Security Administration or Medicare and made various misrepresentations to elderly consumers to persuade them to reveal their bank account information ;thereafter defendants debited hundreds of dollars from consumers' bank accounts. Defendants based in Canada. /opa/2004/11/millineum.shtm
3. FTC v. 120194 Canada Ltd., a corporation doing business as Prime One Benefits, et al., (N.D. Ill, filed Nov. 8, 2004) Defendants engaged in deceptive telemarketing of advance fee credit cards. Defendants based in Canada. /opa/2004/11/toronto.shtm
4. FTC v. 3R Bancorp, Civ. A. No.:  04C 7177 (N.D. Ill, filed Nov. 5, 2004) Defendants engaged in deceptive telemarketing of advance fee credit cards and made misrepresentations to obtain consumers' bank account information; defendants also called consumers whose telephone numbers were registered on National Do Not Call Registry. Certain corporate defendants incorporated in India and Canada; use of boiler rooms in Canada and India. /opa/2004/11/3rbancorp.shtm
5. FTC v. International Research and Development Corporation of Nevada, et al., Civ. A. No. 04C 6901 (N.D. Ill., filed Nov. 3, 2004) Defendants used illegal
spam to make deceptive claims about an "automotive fuel saver."		 Consumer victims in numerous countries. /opa/2004/11/fuelsaver.shtm
6. FTC v. FGH International et al., No. CV04-8103-AHM (JWJx)(C.D. Cal., filed Sept. 27, 2004) Defendants engaged in deceptive telemarketing,   selling at-home instructional programs, which purportedly teach consumers how to speak English or become an auto mechanic. One corporate defendant and telemarketing boiler room based in Peru.  Defendants also moved assets between the U.S. and Peru. /opa/2004/12/fyi0469.shtm
7. FTC v.  Call Center Express, Case No.  04-22289 Civ.  Martinez (S.D. Fla., filed Sept.  14, 2004) Defendants engaged in deceptive telemarketing to promote offers of unsecured major credit cards for an advance fee to Hispanic consumers. Defendants used call center based in Venezuela. /opa/2004/10/heritagemonthsweep.shtm
8. FTC v. Creaghan A. Harry, Case No.: 04C-4790
(N.D. Ill., filed July 21, 2004)		 Defendants used illegal spam to make deceptive weight loss product claims. Defendants used ISPs in foreign countries and transferred assets offshore. /opa/2004/07/creaghan.shtm
9. FTC v. 4086465 Canada, Inc., a corporation d/b/a International Protection Center, et al., 1:04CV1351 (N.D. Ohio, filed July 19, 2004) Defendants engaged in deceptive telemarketing of bogus "consumer protection service" that promised to protect consumers against telemarketing and unauthorized bank activity. Principal individual and corporate defendants based in Canada. /opa/2004/07/ipc.shtm
10. FTC v. 4049705 Canada, Inc., a corporation d/b/a Pinacle, et al., Civil A. No. 04C 4694 (N.D. Ill., filed July 19, 2004) Defendants made misrepresentations to trick consumers into paying for unordered business directories and listings in the directories and harassed consumers for non-payment of accounts. Principal individual and corporate defendants based in Canada. /opa/2004/07/pinacle.shtm
11. FTC v. 3rd Union Card Servs. Inc d/b/a Pharmacycards.com et al., Civ. Action No. 04-0712-RCJ-RJJ (D. Nev., filed May 24, 2004) Defendants made  unauthorized debits from consumers' bank accounts for bogus "discount pharmacy cards." Principal defendants based in the U.K.; used Canadian Acustomer service" center; assets located in Cyprus. /opa/2004/05/pharmcards.shtm
12. FTC v. Seville Mktg. Ltd. et al., Case No. C04-1182L (W.D. Wa., filed May 14, 2004) Defendants made false and unsubstantiated claims in marketing HIV test kits over the Internet. Defendants based in Canada. /opa/2004/06/seville.shtm
13. FTC v. Global Web Promotions Pty Ltd. et al., Civ. A. No.,  04C 3022
(N.D. Ill., filed Apr. 28, 2004)		 Defendants used illegal spam to make deceptive weight loss product claims. Defendants based in Australia. /opa/2004/04/040429canspam.shtm
14. FTC v. National Consumer Council et al., Case No. SACV 04-0474 CJC (JWJx)
(C.D. Cal., filed Apr. 23, 2004)		 Defendants engaged in deceptive telemarketing to induce consumers into entering into a debt negotiation plan and violated National Do Not Call registry. One defendant used assets from Liberian corporation administered in the Isle of Man for consumer redress; another defendant was in the process of moving its telemarketing call center from the U.S. to Argentina when the court issued a temporary restraining order /opa/2004/05/ncc.shtm
2003 Cases
No. Case Caption Harmful Conduct Alleged Cross-Border Component(s) Initial Press Release
1. FTC  v. Domain Registry of America, Civ. A. No.: 03 CV 10075 (S.D.N.Y., complaint and stipulated final judgment and order for permanent injunction and consumer redress filed Dec. 19, 2003) Defendants made misrepresentations in marketing of domain registration services. Principal defendant based in Canada. /opa/2003/12/domainreg.shtm
2. FTC  v.  No. 1025798 Ontario, Inc., a corporation d/b/a  Beauty Visions Worldwide, Kingstown Assocs. Ltd. et al., Civ. A. No. 03 CV 0910 (W.D.N.Y., filed Dec. 3, 2003) Defendants made false and deceptive advertising claims for weight loss "patches." Principal corporate and individual defendants based in Canada and U.K.; additional corporate defendant incorporated in Panama. /opa/2003/12/weightlosscases.shtm  /opa/2004/03/fyi0422.shtm
3. FTC v. WWCI202, Inc., a corporation d/b/aBeneficial Client Care, et al., Civ. Action No. 03- 8110 (S.D. Fla. Dec. 2, 2003) Defendants engaged in deceptive telemarketing of advance fee credit cards, and made misrepresentations to obtain consumers' bank account information. Individual and corporate defendants based in Canada. /opa/2004/01/ccscams.shtm
4.        FTC v. Ameridebt, Inc., et al. (D. Md., filed Nov. 19, 2003) Defendants made misrepresentations regarding credit counseling activities and program costs and use of consumers' non-public personal information. Individual defendant and one corporate defendant transferred assets to Nevis and the Cook Islands following district court's issuance of asset freeze order. /opa/2003/11/ameridebt.shtm  
5. FTC v. Savvier, Inc. et al., No. LACV -3-8159 FMC (JTLX) (C.D. Ca., filed Nov. 7, 2003) Defendants engaged in false and unsubstantiated  advertising for weight loss program. One defendant based in Taiwan. /opa/2003/11/bodyflex.shtm; /opa/2004/01/fyi0408.shtm
6. FTC  v. D Squared Solutions, LLC et al., Civil Action No.: AMD 03 CV310 (D. Md., filed Oct. 30, 2003) Defendants engaged in unfair practices using spyware program that barraged consumers' computers with pop-up ads for defendants' pop-up blocking software. Defendants used ISP based in Canada to host web sites. /opa/2003/11/dsquared.shtm
7. FTC v. Epixtar Corp. et al., Civ. No. 03-CV-8511 (DAB) (S.D.N.Y., filed Oct. 28, 2003) Defendants engaged in deceptive telemarketing of Internet services (including Internet access and web design) to small businesses and billed  -- "crammed" --
consumers telephone accounts without express authorization.		 Defendants used telemarketing call centers in India, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Trinidad & Tobago, and Grenada. /opa/2003/11/epixtar.shtm
8. FTC v. 9094-5114 Quebec, Inc., a corporation d/b/a Kinito, Inc., et al., Civil Action No. 03C 7486 (N.D. Ill., filed Oct. 23, 2003) Defendants engaged in deceptive telemarketing of advance fee credit cards. Defendants based in Canada. /opa/2003/10/kinito.shtm
9. FTC v. 627867 B.C. Ltd., a corporation d/b/a Newport Group, et al., Civ. No. C03-3166 (W.D. Wa., filed Oct. 21, 2003) Defendants engaged in deceptive telemarketing of foreign lottery scheme. Individual and corporate defendants based in Canada. /opa/2003/10/newport.shtm
10. FTC v. Global Web Solutions,  Inc., d/b/a USA Immigration Services et al., Case No. 1:03CV02031 (D.D.C., filed Oct. 9, 2003) Defendants engaged in fraudulent scheme over the Internet to mislead consumers into believing they were affiliated with U.S. government, and could help them obtain "green cards" through the State Department's Diversity Visa Lottery. Consumer victims in more than 70 countries. /opa/2003/10/usais.shtm
11. FTC v. Datatech Communications, Inc. et al,  03 C 6249 (N.D. Ill, filed Sept. 8, 2003) Deceptive telemarketing of "business directories" to small business consumers. Principal defendants based in Canada. /opa/2003/09/datatech.shtm
12. United States of America (for the Federal Trade Commission) v. Michael S. Levey et al., No. CV-03-4670 GAF (AJWx) (C.D. Cal., filed June 30, 2003) Defendants engaged in deceptive and false advertising for dietary supplements purported to cause rapid and substantial weight loss  without diet or exercise and to "cure" arthritis. Defendants based in Canada. /opa/2003/07/ephedra.shtm
13. FTC v. Ambus Registry, Inc., et al., Civ. No. CV03-1294R
(W.D. Wa.,  filed June 16, 2003)		 Defendants engaged in deceptive telemarketing of business directory listings. Defendants based in Canada. /opa/2003/07/ambus.shtm
14. FTC v. Nanda Kumar Duraisami, et al., No. 2:03-cv-01284-BJR (W.D. Wa., filed June 13, 2003) Defendants engaged in deceptive telemarketing of Australian lottery. Defendant based in Canada. /opa/2003/07/duraisami.shtm
15. FTC v. Kevin Trudeau et al., Civ. A. No. 03C 3904 (N.D. Ill., filed June 9, 2003) Defendants engaged in deceptive advertising for a variety of dietary supplements. Evidence located in U.K.; assets in offshore trusts located in British Virgin Islands and Mauritius. /opa/2003/06/trudeau.shtm
16. FTC v. QT, Inc., Case No. 03C 3578 (N.D. Ill., filed May, 27, 2003) Defendants deceptively marketed a bracelet as an effective pain relieving treatment foreign assets? /opa/2003/06/qtinc.shtm
17. FTC v. Braswell, No. CV-03-3700 DT (PJWx) (C.D. Cal., filed May 27, 2003) Defendants made false and unsubstantiated claims for numerous dietary supplements. Certain defendants incorporated in Canada and Nevis; assets located in Swiss banks and other offshore locations. /opa/2003/05/gerovita.shtm
18. FTC v. DPS Activity Publishing, Ltd. d/b/a Healing Hands Busy Book, Civ. A. No. 03-1078C (W.D. Was, filed May 12, 2003) Defendants engaged in telemarketing charity fraud scheme that induced consumers to make donations for books for children's hospitals. Individual and corporate defendants based in Canada. /opa/2003/05/opp.shtm
19. FTC v. K4 Global Publishing, Inc. d/b/a Instant Internet Empires et al., 5:03-CV-0140-3 (M.D. Ga., filed May 7, 2003) Defendants engaged in a Internet-based chain marketing scheme Thousands of foreign consumer victims /opa/2003/05/swnetforce.shtm
20. FTC v. Clickformail.com Inc., et al., Civ. No. 03C 3033 (N.D. Ill, May 7, 2003) Defendants marketed advance-fee credit cards through illegal spam and Internet web sites More than 1000 foreign consumer victims /opa/2003/05/swnetforce.shtm
21. FTC v. Brian D. Westby et al., Civ. A. No. 03 C 2540 (N.D. Ill., filed Apr. 17, 2003) Defendants sent spam with deceptive subject lines that disguised the sexually explicit contents of the spam.  Defendants also used false header information, identifying innocent third parties, as the sender of the spam. Certain individual and corporate defendants based in Netherlands. /opa/2003/04/westby.shtm
/opa/2003/09/fyi0357.shtm
22. Federal Trade Commission v. One or More Unknown Parties Deceiving Consumers While Doing Business as or Using Premier-escrow.co, Case No. 03-488-A (ED. Va., filed Apr. 16, 2003) Unidentified defendants engaged in Internet auction fraud by funneling transactions bogus escrow firm. Unidentified targets located in international locations. /opa/2003/04/bidderbeware.shtm
23. FTC v. Nexgen 3000.com, Inc.,
Civ. 03-120-TUCWDB (D. Ariz., filed Feb. 21, 2003)		 Defendants engaged in deceptive multi-level marketing scheme for Internet malls and dietary supplements. Principal corporate entity incorporated in the Cayman Islands. /opa/2003/07/nexgen.shtm
24. FTC v. STF Group Inc. et al. [MedPlan],
No. 02 C 0977 (N.D. Ill., filed Feb. 10, 2003)		 Defendants engaged in deceptive telemarketing of worthless credit card loss protection and healthcare discount plan scheme. Defendants based in Canada. /opa/2003/02/medplan.shtm
25. FTC v. CSCT, Inc. et al., Civ. A. No. 03 C 00880 (N.D. Ill., filed Feb. 6, 2003) Defendants engaged in false and deceptive advertising for clinic-based cancer  treatments using electromagnetic device marketed over Internet. Defendants based in U.K. and Canada; operations based in Mexico. /opa/2003/02/csct.shtm
26. FTC v. Yad Abraham et al., EDCV - 03-0030 VAP (SGLx) (C.D. Cal., filed Jan. 11, 2003) Defendants engaged in deceptive marketing of international drivers' permits over Internet and through spam. Defendants used Internet Service Provider based in Canada. /opa/2003/01/idpfinal.shtm
27. FTC v. Carlton Press, Inc. et al., Civ. A. No. 03-CV-0226-RLC (S.D.N.Y., filed Jan. 10, 2003) Defendants engaged in deceptive marketing of international drivers' permits over Internet and through spam. Principal defendant based in Denmark. /opa/2003/01/idpfinal.shtm
28. FTC v. Assail, Inc. et al.,
Civ. A. No.W03CA007 (W.D. Tex., filed Jan. 9, 2003)		 Defendants engaged in eceptive telemarketing of advance-fee credit cards. Some defendants based in Canada; telemarketing boiler rooms located in in India, Canada, and Carribean countries. /opa/2003/01/assailnetwork.shtm
29. FTC v. Dr. Clark Research Ass'n et al., Civ. A. No. 1:03CV0054
 (N.D. Ohio, filed Jan. 8, 2003)		 Defendants engaged in false and deceptive advertising for a variety of dietary supplements and devices sold over Internet. Defendants based in Switzerland. /opa/2003/01/drclark.shtm
30. FTC v. William Dion et al., Civil Action No. 03-40005-NMG (D. Mass., filed Jan. 8, 2003) Defendants engaged in deceptive marketing of international drivers' permits over Internet. Defendants used Internet Service Provider based in Canada. /opa/2003/01/idpfinal.shtm
31. FTC v. Mountain View Systems, Ltd. et al.,
Civ. A.  No. 1:03-CV-OOO21-RMC (D.D.C., filed Jan. 7, 2003)		 Defendants engaged in deceptive marketing of international drivers' permits over Internet and through spam. Defendants based in Israel and Romania; Assets in offshore jurisdictions such as Bahamas and Isle of Man. /opa/2003/01/idpfinal.shtm; /opa/2003/02/fyi0314.shtm  
2002 Cases
No. Case Caption Harmful Conduct Alleged Cross-Border Component(s) Initial Press Release
1. FTC v. Pacific First Benefit L.L.C. et al., No. 02C8678 (N.D. Ill., filed Dec. 2, 2002) Defendants engaged in deceptive telemarketing of advance-fee loans and credit cards. Defendants based in Canada. /opa/2002/12/firstfederal.shtm
2. FTC v. Darrell Richmond d/b/a Bargain Shopper Network Direct et al., Case No. 3:02-3979-22
(D.S.Ca, filed Nov. 26, 2003)		 Defendant deceptively marketed envelope stuffing business over the Internet More than a thousand foreign consumer victims /opa/2002/12/richmond.shtm
3. FTC v. Hanson Publications, Inc. et al., No. 1:02 CV 2205 (N.D. Ohio, filed Nov. 8, 2002) Defendants engaged in deceptive telemarketing of office supply scam. Defendants based in Canada. /opa/2002/11/handson.shtm
4. FTC v. First Capital Consumers Group et al., No.: 02C 7456 (N.D. Ill., Oct. 17, 2002) Defendants engaged in deceptive telemarketing of advance-fee credit cards. Defendants based in Canada. /opa/2002/10/firstcap.shtm
5. FTC v. World Media Brokers Inc. et al.,
 No.: 02C-6985 (N.D. Ill.,
 filed Sept. 30, 2002)		 Defendants engaged in deceptive telemarketing of  illegal foreign lottery scheme. Defendants based in Canada. /opa/2002/12/ems.shtm
6. FTC v. No. 9068-8425 Quebec d/b/a/ Biolab, et al.
No.:1:02-CV-1128 (N.D.N.Y.,  
filed Sept. 3, 2002)		 Defendants engaged in false and deceptive advertising for weight loss products. Defendants based in Canada. /opa/2002/09/biolab.shtm
7. FTC v. Bay Area Business Council, Inc.,
Civ. A. No. 02-C-5762 (N.D. Ill., filed Aug. 13, 2002)		 Defendants engaged in deceptive telemarketing of advance-fee credit cards. Defendants based in Canada. /opa/2002/09/opnocredit.shtm;
 /opa/2002/10/fyi0256.shtm
8. FTC v. 1st Beneficial Credit Servs. LLC, et al.,
 No.: 1:02 CV 1591 (N.D. Ohio, filed Aug. 14, 2002)		 Defendants engaged in deceptive telemarketing of advance-fee credit cards. Individual and corporate defendants based in Canada. /opa/2002/09/opnocredit.shtm
9. FTC v. BioPulse, C-02-3511
(N.D. Cal., filed July 23, 2003)		 Defendants engaged in false and deceptive advertising for clinic-based alternative therapies for cancer and other serious diseases Clinics located in Mexico /opa/2002/07/biopulse2.shtm
10. FTC v. 564196 B.C. Ltd. doing business as International Brokers Limited,
No.: 02-CV-1228 (W.D. Wa., filed June 10, 2002) 		Defendants engaged in deceptive telemarketing for illegal foreign lottery scheme. Defendants based in Canada. /opa/2002/06/crossborder.shtm 
11. FTC v. Efficient Telesales Services Inc., d/b/a U.S. Credit Servs. and U.S. Direct Benefits and Savings et al.,
No.: 02C 377 (E.D. Ill., filed May 28, 2002) 		Defendants engaged in deceptive telemarketing of advance-fee credit cards. Defendants based in Canada. /opa/2002/06/crossborder.shtm 
12. FTC v. D&C National Holdings, Ltd. et al., 
No.: CV02-1134 (W.D. Wa., filed May 23, 2002) 		Defendants engaged in deceptive telemarketing of illegal foreign lottery and bond scheme. Defendants based in Canada. /opa/2002/06/crossborder.shtm
13. FTC v. Full House/Royal Flush System Network, Inc. et al.,
No.: 2:02 CV 1085 (W.D. Wa., filed May 15, 2002)		 Defendants engaged in deceptive telemarketing of illegal foreign lottery scheme. Defendants based in Canada. /opa/2002/06/crossborder.shtm
14. FTC v. Hudson Berkely Corp. et al.,
No. CV-S-02-0649-PMP-RJJ
(D. Nev. filed May 7, 2002)		 Defendants made false and deceptive misrepresentations for abdominal electronic muscle stimulator device. Defendants based in Hong Kong and Germany; assets transferred offshore. /opa/2002/05/projectabsurd.shtm; /opa/2002/11/fyi0259.shtm
15. FTC v. Electronic Products Distribution, L.L.C. et al.,
No. 02-CV-888H (AJB) (S.D. Ca.., filed May 7, 2002)		 Defendants made false and deceptive misrepresentations for abdominal electronic muscle stimulator device. Third-party witness based in Netherlands; Assets transferred offshore. /opa/2002/05/projectabsurd.shtm
16. FTC v. Consumer Alliance Inc. et al.,
No.: 02-C-2429 (N.D. Ill.,  filed Apr. 4,  2002) 		Defendants engaged in deceptive telemarketing of advance-fee credit cards and credit card protection Defendants based in Canada. /opa/2002/04/consumeralliance.shtm
17. FTC v. BTV Indus. et al.,
No. CVS 02-0437 LRH-PAL
(D. Nev. filed Mar. 27, 2002)		 Defendants engaged in deceptive marketing through spam and over Internet of adult Internet site. Defendant based in Canary Islands; Numerous foreign consumers in various countries /opa/2002/04/btv.shtm
18. FTC v. TLD Network Ltd. et al.,
No.: 02-C-1475
(N.D. Ill., filed Feb. 28, 2002)		 Defendants used illegal spam to perpetrate Internet domain name scheme. Defendants based in England; foreign consumer victims in more than 50 countries; assets in U.K. /opa/2002/03/tld.shtm
19. FTC v. Dillon Sherif et al.,
No.: 2:02 CV 00294 (W.D. Wa., filed Feb. 7, 2002)		 Defendants engaged in deceptive telemarketing for illegal foreign lottery scheme. Defendants based in Canada. /opa/2002/02/dillon.shtm
2001 Cases
No. Case Caption Harmful Conduct Alleged Cross-Border Component(s) Initial Press Release
1. FTC v. 9094-5486 Quebec Inc. d/b/a Consumer Resource Servs.,
No.: 01CV 1872 (TJM RFT) (N.D.N.Y., filed Dec. 10, 2001)		 Defendants engaged in deceptive telemarketing of advance-fee credit cards and related products and services. Defendants based in Canada. /opa/2001/12/crs.shtm
2. FTC v. Icon America, Inc.,
No.: 2:01-CV-320 (D. Vt., Oct.  2001)		 Defendants engaged in deceptive telemarketing of worthless credit card loss protection. Defendants based in Canada. /opa/2001/10/ditch.shtm;
3. FTC v. Ira Smolev et al., No. 01-8922 CIV ZLOCH (S.D. Fla.filed Oct. 23, 2001). Defendants engaged in deceptive telemarketing of "buyers clubs" and billed consumers for memberships without their authorization. More than 5000 foreign consumer victims. /opa/2001/10/triad.shtm
4. FTC v. R&R Consultants, Inc. et al.,
No.:01-CV-1537 TJM (N.D.N.Y., filed Oct. 10, 2001)		 Defendants engaged in deceptive telemarketing of worthless credit card loss protection and other credit-related goods and services. Defendants based in Canada. /opa/2002/04/rrconsultants.shtm
5. FTC v. Farpoint Services Inc. et al. [American Card Services],
No.: C01-1593P (W.D. Wa., filed Oct. 9, 2001)		 Defendants engaged in deceptive telemarketing of worthless credit card loss protection. Defendants based in Canada. /opa/2002/10/americancard.shtm
6. FTC v. Skybiz Int=l Inc. et al.,
No.: 01-CV-096 (N.D. Okl. filed May 20, 2001)		 Defendants ran deceptive multi-level marketing scheme selling online tutorials for Web-based products, Consumer victims based in 200 countries worldwide; assets transferred to offshore jurisdictions. /opa/2001/06/sky.shtm
7. FTC v. Opco International Agencies et al.,
No.: C01-2053R (W.D. Wa., filed Feb. 21, 2001)		 Defendants engaged in deceptive telemarketing of worthless credit card loss protection and debt consolidation programs. Defendants based in Canada. /opa/2001/02/opco.shtm 
8. FTC v. 1268957 Ontario, Inc. d/b/a National Domain Registry et al.,
No.: 01-CV-0243 (N.D. Ga., filed February 12, 2001)		 Defendants used misleading fax solicitations to dupe consumers in Internet domain name scheme, Defendants based in Canada. /opa/2001/02/morgenstern.shtm
9. FTC v. Alvin Cordeiro, d/b/a Quick-Checks,
No. 5:01cv20109 (N.D. Ca., filed Feb. 6, 2001)		 Defendant facilitated deceptive telemarketing of illegal foreign lottery scheme Defendant provided payment processing services to Canadian telemarketers /opa/2001/02/win2.shtm
10. FTC v. John Zuccarini, individually and doing business as Cupcake Party et al., Civ. A. No. 01-CV-4854 (E.D. Pa., filed Sept. 25, 2001) Defendants engaged in deceptive Internet pagejacking/
mousetrapping scheme.		 Assets in Bahamas; Foreign consumer victims in numerous countries. /opa/2001/10/cupcake.shtm
2000 Cases
No. Case Caption Harmful Conduct Alleged Cross-Border Component(s) Initial Press Release
1. FTC v. Growth Plus Int=l,
No.  00C 07886 (N.D. Ill, filed Dec. 18, 2000)		 Defendants engaged in deceptive telemarketing of illegal foreign lottery scheme. Defendants based in Canada. /opa/2000/12/gains2.shtm
2. FTC v. Consumer Repair Svcs., Inc., et al., CV00-11218 (C.D. Cal., filed Oct. 23, 2000) Defendants engaged in deceptive telemarketing of worthless credit card loss "protection" packages Defendants used British payment processor, which processed transactions through a bank in the Carribean /opa/2000/10/protectdecpt.shtm
3. FTC v. Canada Prepaid Legal Servs. Inc.,
No.: CV00-2080Z (W.D. Wa., filed Dec. 11, 2000)		 Defendants engaged in deceptive telemarketing of illegal foreign lottery scheme. Defendants based in Canada; offshore assets in Nevis. /opa/2000/12/nagg.shtm
4. FTC v. TSI Financial Servs.,
No.: 00-CV-906 (W.D.N.Y., filed Oct. 23, 2000) 		Defendants engaged in deceptive telemarketing of worthless credit card loss protection scheme. Defendants based in Canada. /opa/2000/10/protectdecpt.shtm
5. FTC v. Cyberspace. com, LLC , et al.,  No. 00-CV-01806 (W.D. Wa., filed Oct. 20, 2000) Defendants engaged in scheme using deceptive rebate checks to deceive consumers into signing up for ISP service. Assets in Isle of Man and Cayman Islands. /opa/2000/10/topten.shtm
6. FTC v. Ty Anderson et al. [Pornopictures, Inc.], 2:00-cv-01843-MJP (W.D. Wa., filed Oct. 27, 2000) Defendants engaged in illegal cramming by billing consumers for adult-oriented web site services that they did not access or authorize. Defendants based in Canada. /opa/2000/10/topten.shtm
7. FTC v. Verity Int=l et al.,
No.: 00-CIV-7422 (LAK)
(S.D.N.Y., filed Oct. 2, 2000)		 Defendants engaged in deceptive scheme for billing of adult Internet videotext services. Defendants based in Ireland and U.K.; foreign consumer victims. /opa/2000/10/verity.shtm
8. FTC et al. v. The Crescent Publishing Group Inc., et al., Civil Action No. 00-CIV-6315 (S.D.N.Y., filed Aug. 25, 2000) Defendants billed consumers for adult-oriented web site services advertised as "free," and also billed consumers who never visited web sites. More than a thousand foreign consumer victims. /opa/2000/08/crescent.shtm
9. FTC v. Rexall Sundown, Inc., Case No. 00-7016-CIV-MARTINEZ (S.D. Fla., filed July 19, 2000) Defendants made false and unsubstantiated claims for dietary supplement product. Evidence from Italy and Argentina. /opa/2000/07/rexall.shtm
10. FTC v. Enforma Natural Products, Inc. et al., No. 00-04376 JSL (Cwx) (C.D. Cal., filed Apr. 25, 2000) Defendants made false and unsubstantiated claims fro weight loss product More than 3000 foreign consumer victims. /opa/2000/04/enforma.shtm
11. FTC v. American Universal Vending Corp. et al.,
No. 00 CV 0155e (SC)
(W.D.N.Y., filed Feb. 14, 2000)		 Defendants engaged in deceptive offering and sale of vending machine and pay phone ventures. Defendants based in Canada. /opa/2000/03/biz.shtm
12. FTC v. B.B.M. Inv., Inc.,
No. C00-0062 (W.D. Wa., filed Jan. 13, 2000)		 Defendants engaged in illegal foreign lottery and bond scheme. Defendants based in Canada. /opa/2000/01/bbm.shtm

Last Modified: Tuesday, 16-Dec-2008 15:22:00 EST