WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that it is distributing more than $2 million in refunds to nearly 39,500 consumers who were misled by fraudulent get-rich-quick schemes promoted during the financial crisis of the 2000s.

The refunds stem from a case filed in 2009 against individuals and companies behind misleading coaching programs and investment kits marketed under names such as “John Beck’s Free & Clear Real Estate System,” “John Alexander’s Real Estate Riches in 14 Days,” and “Jeff Paul’s Shortcuts to Internet Millions.” The FTC alleged that the promoters—John Beck, John Alexander, Jeff Paul, Gary Hewitt, Doug Gravink, and associated businesses—lured consumers with promises of easy wealth, but instead delivered little of value.

According to the FTC, participants frequently lost money after paying for initial kits, monthly subscriptions, and costly one-on-one coaching sessions. A federal court ultimately sided with the FTC and ordered the defendants to compensate affected consumers.

Checks are now being mailed out, and recipients are advised to deposit them within 90 days. Those with questions about their refund can contact the FTC’s refund administrator, Simpluris, at 866-675-3049 or visit the FTC’s website for more information. The agency emphasized that it never asks consumers to pay or provide bank details to receive a refund.

This refund initiative is part of the FTC’s ongoing efforts to return money to consumers harmed by deceptive business practices. In 2024 alone, FTC enforcement actions led to over $339 million in refunds nationwide.

Consumers are encouraged to report fraud and scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and learn more about how to avoid similar schemes at consumer.ftc.gov.