FTC sues telemarketers, debt collector for scamming organizations for books and newsletter subscriptions they did not order

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The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a lawsuit against telemarketers and a debt collector responsible for scamming organizations such as police departments, schools, and non-profits for books and newsletter subscriptions that they did not order.

In the lawsuit, the FTC alleged that the defendants, American Future Systems (AFS), a telemarketing company based in Pennsylvania, and International Credit Recovery (ICR), a debt collection firm based in New York engaged in unlawful business practices.

AFS is operating under the names Progressive Business Publications (PBB) and the Center for Education and Employment Law (CEEL). The SEC collectively referred to these companies as AFS defendants in the lawsuit.

FTC accuses AFS, ICR of deceitful conduct

According to the FTC, AFS defendants engaged in a deceptive telemarketing scheme that targeted organizations. Its modus operandi involved calling organizations across the United States and offering to send free sample books, newsletters, or reference guides for their employees to review.