The Federal Trade Commission today took action against payment processing company First American Payment Systems and two of its sales affiliates for trapping small businesses with hidden terms, surprise exit fees, and zombie charges. The FTC alleges that the defendants made false claims about fees and cost savings to lure merchants, many of whom had … Read more
The Federal Trade Commission is sending 7,731 checks totaling more than $9.7 million to small businesses who were harmed by Yellowstone Capital, a merchant cash advance company that withdrew money from their bank accounts without permission. Eligible businesses are getting 51% of their money back, averaging more than $1,200 for each check. Recipients should cash … Read more
The Federal Trade Commission’s lawsuit against RCG Advances, LLC and Robert Giardina has led to a court order that permanently bans the company and owner from the merchant cash advance industry for deceiving and threatening small businesses and their owners. The FTC alleged that the scheme’s operators lied to small business owners about terms and … Read more
[Editor: I felt this guest post was very informative for readers and consumers to understand how a small business might decide to pursue people over debt.] Small claims courts are part of our legal system. They help resolve minor disputes without engaging in lengthy (and often expensive) lawsuits. For example, when it is clear that … Read more
The State of Connecticut took action against Extreme Marketing Alliance, Matt Graham, and Orlando Diaz for trying to sell a business opportunity program in the State. The State claims “Extreme Marketing Alliance LLC (“EMA”) is a limited liability company formed under the laws of the State of Nevada on March 8, 2016. According to records … Read more
Debt is crucial for business. It helps companies to maintain operations and propel growth plans. It keeps the economic wheels of our nation turning. As such, the government encourages entrepreneurs to take loans – and you can deduct loan interest from your income when preparing tax returns. But entrepreneurs can make mistakes. For example, such … Read more
Most of us have seen a 7-Eleven or a Speedway retail store but I had no idea 7-Eleven bought Speedway. FTC Orders the Divestiture of Hundreds of Retail Stores Following 7-Eleven, Inc.’s Anticompetitive $21 Billion Acquisition of the Speedway Retail Fuel Chain Proposed order prohibits 7-Eleven from enforcing noncompete provisions for franchisees or employees working … Read more
Trying to run a small business and dealing with the stress of keeping the business alive when things are not looking like they are going to workout is a nightmare. I lived through that many decades ago and it was not fun at all. There are few things much worse than facing calls and contacts … Read more
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York, in collaboration with AARP, today released a report, State of the Older Entrepreneur During COVID-19 that finds a sharp decrease in active business ownership among the 80% of small firm owners who are 45 and older. The report finds active business ownership for white owners 45 and older … Read more
Government is a giant bureaucracy and it doesn’t matter who is in or out of office. Sometimes things just don’t make any sense and there is no apparent need for logic. You can go hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt for student loans without any regard for your credit rating. Bankruptcy does not prevent … Read more
