In response to thousands of complaints from consumers, the FTC moved today to shut down several major companies engaged in “free gift card scams.” The companies involved are Acquinity Interactive, Revenue Parth, World Wide Commerce, FireBrand Group and their respective owners and officers.
The complaint claims that consumers received “unwanted text messages” that claiming that they had won a prize and were directed to websites to receive such prize. In all cases, the FTC claims, that no prize was actually won, but instead consumers were directed to a registration path, which also often claimed that the prize was waiting to be received if more information was given.
In fact, as many in the industry know, no prize was won, but instead consumers are required to jump through a series of offers to receive the prize. According to the FTC complaint, “In most if not all instances, it is impossible for a consumer to qualify for the promised free merchandise without spending money.”
The complaint requests from the judge that all assets of the companies be seized and the companies put into immediate receivership for the purpose of repaying customers.
The full complaint is below
