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FTC vs J.K. Publications checks, Part II
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Yesterday afternoon, I received a check for $27.68, as compensation in a case brought by the FTC against J.K. communications. Upon reading the attached letter, I was convinced it was a scam, as were many others who received the same check. I quickly posted an article pointing out why I believed it was some kind of fraud.
I've since talked to Peter Kaplan and Doug Wolfe at the FTC, who have informed me that the checks are legitimate.
Here is a summary of the information I received from Mr. Wolfe:
The company in question was engaged in out and out fraud. They ran internet porn sites in California and were able to procure lists of credit card numbers from banks. They ran charges on these cards, usually one time charges for about $20 each. The cards belonged to people who had nothing to do with the company or the sites they ran. Some have reported that they didn't even have a computer at the time.
The FTC investigated the handful of complaints they got at the time, (late 90's) and were able to shut the company down. As it turns out there were hundreds of thousands of victims. The company was "very adept" at international money laundering. The FTC won a judgement of $37 million dollars and has dispersed $12 million thus far to over 400,000 people. They are still fighting to secure at least $8.8 million from foreign accounts.
I pointed out that the letter that came with these checks was worded very suspiciously (Here's the letter with my personal info deleted) Mr. Kaplan hadn't read it. Mr. Wolfe had and disagreed with my assessment.
In any case, you can reach Mr. Kaplan at FTC Public Affairs at 202-326-2334 and Mr. Wolfe at 202-326-3113 for more information.
More related info: ZoomInfo.com
