Y'know all those folks who have been financially supporting Terri Schiavo's parents to fund their legal battle? Well, the parents just sold the address list to a direct-marketing firm.
Way to thank people for their support, huh?
March 30th, 2005
CNN reports that four credit-counselling companies that bilked consumers out of more than $100 million without helping them are making settlements with the FTC, but the companies are being required to collectively repay only $25 million of the money they defrauded from their customers. Two of the three -- National Consumer Council, of California, the largest offender, and AmeriDebt Inc., of Maryland, are to shut down; the owners of Debt Management Foundation Services, of Florida, are being required to sever their connection with the company; but none of the owners will face jail, because the FTC has no criminal authority. The remaining company, Better Budget Financial Services, of Massachusetts, will be allowed to re-enter business after posting a $2 million bond.
So, let's see, steal $100 million from almost anywhere else, go to Federal stir. Steal $100 million from individual consumers with financial problems, and, relatively speaking, get a slap on the wrist.