United States of America: District Court issued final order in Federal Trade Commission lawsuit against operators of e-commerce business opportunity scheme for deceptive earnings claims

On 19 March 2025, the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida entered stipulated final orders in the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) case against the operators of Lunar Capital Ventures, Ecom Genie, and Profitable Automation. The lawsuit, filed in October 2024, alleged that the defendants marketed e-commerce business opportunities using false and unsubstantiated earnings claims, including promises of substantial monthly profits through Amazon and Walmart storefronts. The final orders permanently prohibit the defendants from marketing or selling business opportunities and from making deceptive income representations. The orders also require the surrender of assets to the FTC for potential consumer redress. Monetary judgments of approximately USD 14 million and USD 6 million were imposed against the respective parties, with payments suspended based on financial disclosures, subject to full reinstatement if misrepresentation of financial condition is later established.