The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is distributing more than $905,000 in refunds to nearly 40,000 consumers who purchased Pure Green Coffee, a fraudulent weight loss product promoted through deceptive advertising. The product was falsely marketed using misleading health claims, fabricated testimonials, and fake news websites by NPB Advertising.
The FTC filed a lawsuit against NPB Advertising, its executives, and affiliated companies in May 2014. A year later, an amended complaint accused them of deceptive marketing practices related to Pure Green Coffee. Most defendants reached a settlement with the FTC in November 2015. In November 2016, the agency secured a legal victory against the scheme’s mastermind and took extensive steps to enforce the judgment.
As part of the refund process, the FTC is sending payments via check and PayPal to 39,977 affected consumers. Recipients are advised to cash their checks within 90 days or redeem PayPal payments within 30 days. Those with questions can contact the refund administrator, Epiq Systems, at 877-839-1696 or visit the FTC’s website for more details. The agency reminds consumers that it never asks for payment or personal account information to issue refunds.
The FTC provides an interactive dashboard that offers a state-by-state breakdown of refunds in its cases. In 2024 alone, FTC enforcement actions have resulted in more than $337 million in refunds to consumers nationwide.
The FTC’s mission is to protect consumers, promote competition, and educate the public. The agency warns that it will never demand money, issue threats, request fund transfers, or promise prizes. Consumers can learn more about fraud prevention at consumer.ftc.gov and report scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. For updates, follow the FTC on social media, read its consumer alerts and business blog, and subscribe to receive the latest news.
