$1.79 MILLION IN THE MAIL TO CONSUMERS ALLEGEDLY DEFRAUDED BY AMERIDEBT

FROM:  U.S. FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION   

FTC Sends More Than $1.79 Million in Refunds to Consumers Defrauded by AmeriDebt Scam

The Federal Trade Commission is mailing $1,792,759 in refund checks to 60,813 consumers allegedly defrauded by a credit counseling/debt management scam run by Andris Pukke and his companies, AmeriDebt Inc. and DebtWorks, Inc. The defendants allegedly deceived consumers about their fees, misrepresented that AmeriDebt was a non-profit, and falsely promised to teach consumers how to handle their credit and finances.

The FTC previously returned about $15 million to AmeriDebt consumers. Consumers affected in today’s announcement will receive checks for between $12.70 and $725.10; the amount will vary based upon the amount of each consumer’s loss, less the previous refund received. Those who receive checks from the FTC’s refund administrator should cash them within 60 days of the mailing date. The FTC never requires consumers to pay money or to provide information before refund checks can be cashed.