The Federal Trade Commission has established a hot line for businesses or individuals that were drawn into an alleged scheme that offered free Internet services.
The FTC charged in a lawsuit that Miami-based Epixtar Corp. and several of its subsidiaries, including one called SBA Online Inc., deceptively marketed a free trial of Internet services and then added monthly charges of $29.95 to customers’ phone bills without their permission.
Last year, the Small Business Administration warned firms about the practice after receiving complaints. The government agency does not charge the public for materials or membership in its programs.
Epixtar and its subsidiaries have agreed to an injunction that prohibits the practice, requires the company to notify customers about the bills and cancel any unauthorized service, according to a SBA news release. The hot-line number, which advises people on how to get refunds, is (202) 326-2998.