Operators of Alleged Telemarketing Scheme Falsely Linked to Amazon Settle With FTC

Operators of an alleged telemarketing scheme will be banned from selling business opportunities and government grant products and services in a settlement with the FTC, said the agency in a Thursday news release. Commissioners voted 2-0 approved final orders that were entered by the District Court for the District of Arizona against defendants Stephanie Bateluna, Carl Morris Jr., Stacey Vela and Paramount Business Services. Each order imposes a judgment of more than $11.8 million but will be partially suspended for Bateluna, Vela and Paramount after they surrender assets. The FTC complaint last year (see 1610280023) said telemarketers "falsely" promised consumers creation of a retail website linked to Amazon that would generate income for consumers. Operators also falsely promised guaranteed government grants worth at least tens of thousands of dollars if consumers paid them thousands of dollars. Contact information for the defendants couldn't be found.