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The Â鶹´«Ã½ Trade Commission is mailing more than 20,000 checks totaling more than $18 million to people who lost money to The Tax Club, a scheme that targeted people who were trying to start home-based businesses.

According to a complaint brought by the FTC and the New York and Florida Attorneys General, the defendants falsely claimed their services would help home-based businesses succeed, and promised services that were never delivered, such as business coaching services, corporate formation services, and credit development services.

People who lost money will get an average of $914 back. Recipients should deposit or cash checks within 60 days.

The FTC never requires people to pay money or provide account information to cash refund checks. If you have questions about the case, contact the FTC’s refund administrator, Analytics Consulting LLC, at 855-561-1178.

To learn more about the FTC’s refund program, visit www.ftc.gov/refunds.

The Â鶹´«Ã½ Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. You can and file a consumer complaint online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357). Like the FTC on , follow us on , read our blogs and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.