Consumers Harmed By Promises of Federal Jobs Getting Refunds

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is mailing roughly 1,900 refund checks to consumers who allegedly were deceived by false promises that they could get federal jobs if they paid for study materials or counseling services to help them pass an exam -- even though often there were no exams or jobs. 

Under settlements reached in December 2010 and March 2012, the defendants, Government Careers Inc., Jon Coover, Richard Friedberg, and Rimona Friedberg, are permanently banned from selling employment-related products or services. 

More than $50,000 is being returned to consumers; payments will be 22.73 percent of their loss. Consumers who receive the checks from the FTC's refund administrator should cash them within 60 days of the date they were issued. 

The FTC never requires consumers to pay money or provide information before redress checks can be cashed. Consumers with questions should call the refund administrator, BMC Group, at 1-888-768-2051.