Credit Repair Company Settles FTC Charges It Deceived Consumers By Telling Them “Piggybacking” on Others’ Credit Could Boost Scores

Credit Repair Company Settles FTC Charges It Deceived Consumers By Telling Them "Piggybacking" on Others' Credit Could Boost Scores

Defendants promise "huge" credit score increases, ease in obtaining mortgages

A Colorado-based credit repair company and its owner have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges they mislead consumers with promises to "drastically and immediately" improve credit scores and increase access to lower rates on mortgages.

In its complaint against the operators of BoostMyScore.net (BMS), the FTC alleges that the defendants guaranteed consumers that, in exchange for fees ranging from $325 to $4,000, they could "piggyback" on unrelated consumers' good credit, artificially inflating their own credit score in the process.

"Good credit isn't for sale," said Andrew Smith, Director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection. "This company charged people thousands of dollars based on hollow promises that 'piggybacking' on a stranger's good credit would raise their credit score or help them get a mortgage."

In piggybacking, a consumer pays to be listed on another person's well-maintained credit account, ostensibly receiving the benefit of the good account on their own credit even though they can't access the account. In this case, the FTC alleges, defendants charged struggling consumers steep, illegal fees and made unsupported promises about how piggybacking would pave the way to new credit, including mortgages and other loan products.

According to the complaint, BMS made unwarranted promises in various advertisements that consumers' credit scores would increase by anywhere from 100 to 120 points over two to six weeks. BMS also allegedly charged consumers upfront for the credit repair services they offered, which is illegal under the Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA). The complaint alleges that the defendants violated the FTC Act, CROA, and the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR).

Under the terms of the proposed settlement with the FTC that will soon be filed with the court, BoostMyScore, LLC, BMS, Inc., and William O. Airy will be prohibited from selling fake access to another consumer's credit as an authorized user and from collecting advance fees for credit repair services, as well as other violations of CROA. They will also be prohibited from misrepresenting a product or service as being legal, as well as from misrepresenting the terms of a refund or return policy. The defendants also will be banned from further violations of the TSR. The settlement also includes a monetary judgment of $6,630,678, which will be partially suspended upon payment of $64,863 due to the defendants' inability to pay. Should the defendants be found to have misrepresented their financial condition, the full judgment would be immediately payable.

The Commission vote authorizing the staff to file the complaint and stipulated final order was 5-0. The FTC filed the complaint and final order in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado.

NOTE: The Commission files a complaint when it has "reason to believe" that the named defendants are violating or are about to violate the law and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. Stipulated final orders have the force of law when approved and signed by the District Court judge.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about consumer topics and file a consumer complaint online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357). Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, read our blogs, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.

This was shared from
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2020/03/credit-repair-company-settles-ftc-charges-it-deceived-consumers?

https://twitter.com/FTC

B I N G O, and Bingo was his name oh! #ShopFranklinBINGO

Catching up to sharing this #ShopFranklinBINGO card

Thanks to Melanie Hamblen for creating this excuse to visit some Franklin retail locations!

"Happy March! Happy #ShopFranklinBingo month. Bring this card with you as you #ShopFranklin for the month of March. Have the shop keeper sign and date the square that corresponds to your purchase. Be creative and most of all have fun! 

Turn in one Bingo, or fill up the card. Your BINGO's are entries into raffles. More than one entry is allowed. 

Turn the cards in by April 7 for some awesome prizes. Purchases must be from locally owned, independent businesses."

Download your #ShopFranklinBINGO card here or via the embedded file below
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NdEVKi7WCbh8qwRh_2O3ODnTFSxgcUEJ/view?usp=sharing

B I N G O, and bingo was his name oh!

This was shared from the #ShopFranklin Facebook post
https://www.facebook.com/groups/shopFranklin/permalink/2628373703939800/

FPAC Features Broadway Dogs in Legally Blonde

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) has announced the initial casting for their March production of Legally Blonde the Musical. The production stars Broadway and NYC talent, local actors, students of the performing arts, and features Jerry Mitchell’s original Broadway choreography. Also sharing the stage in Legally Blonde will be Frankie and Romeo from William Berloni Theatrical Animals in the roles of Bruiser and Rufus. 

Tony Award winner William Berloni and his handlers have provided animals of all species and sizes, found in shelters, humane societies or rescue leagues, for Broadway, off-Broadway, national tours, regional theaters, special events, the New York City Ballet, motion pictures, television, and commercials.

The FPAC cast is working with handler Rochelle Scudder to learn the different cues and commands involved with the canine actors. “Sometimes we meet actors who are afraid of dogs, allergic to dogs, or lack the instincts ‘dog people’ have,” says Scudder. “When that happens, we have to go back to basics and take extra time to make everyone comfortable.” 


Luckily, the FPAC actors and Berloni Dogs are getting along wonderfully. “The FPAC cast bonded with the dogs very quickly. They are all naturals and are making my job easy.” Tony Award winning trainer William Berloni will be on hand at THE BLACK BOX for the production’s closing weekend.

Ali Funkhouser, who plays Elle Woods, has worked with Berloni Theatrical Animals in previous productions of Legally Blonde. “It’s a fun added element to the show,” she says. “The dogs are the ultimate pros.”

Legally Blonde the Musical presented by the Franklin Performing Arts Company will run at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin March 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370.

FPAC Features Broadway Dogs in Legally Blonde

Berloni Theatrical Animals are sponsored for FPAC’s production by Franklin Veterinary Clinic, The Parkman Family Foundation, Dr. Hedley Marks/Ashfield-Cheyne Vet Service, VetMed Pet Supplies, and Shear Elegance Pet Services. Local canine fans will be pictured in the playbill as members of the Bruiser sponsor club. FPAC’s Legally Blonde the Musical is sponsored by Doherty, Dugan, Cannon, Raymond, and Weil P.C., WirkusFlynnYoung, Roy Law, and John Roche. Dean Bank is an FPAC Season Sponsor.

FM #221 School Committee Demographics Overview HMMS - 3/5/20 (audio)

FM #221 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 221 in the series.

The School Committee Facility Analysis Subcommittee held an information session to review the demographics study released recently. The session was well attended (approx 35) in the Horace Mann Middle School cafeteria on Thursday, March 5, 2020.

Superintendent Sara Ahern and Subcommittee Chair Elise Stokes coordinated to deliver the presentation and handle the questions. The session deliberately included names tags and a brief intro of folks to each other sitting around the middle school cafe tables.

Subcommittee Chair Elise Stokes

There is a brief interruption of happy shouting in the recording from the student performance or rehearsal for such taking place in the auditorium next to the cafeteria.

The presentation doc is supposed to be made available. When it is, the link will be shared here.

There will also be a separate page to collect and share information as the facility study makes progress. As was revealed in the presentation and discussion, this will take some time to complete properly. The key will be what the facility analysis reveals when it is shared in May at a School Committee meeting.

The presentation doc from the School Committee meeting (including the audio) can be found here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/fm-212-school-committee-meeting.html

Regular listeners perhaps will recognize my voice chiming in with a question or two, and the comment on the lack of senior type housing available in the Franklin market. “Senior type” meaning single level, one or two bedroom units. Most of the condos and apartments are multiple levels.

The audio segment runs about an hour, so let’s listen in to the presentation and discussion of the demographics study 
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-221-school-committee-demographics-overview

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

The milestones along the facility study path

Franklin Newcomers and Friends features Steve Sherlock - March 11

Come join your friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends monthly Meeting. Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, March 11 at 7:30. 

We are so pleased to welcome Steve Sherlock as our speaker. He single-handedly created Franklin Matters in 2007, a daily source of information about everything that matters in Franklin. Anyone can sign up for a free subscription on Franklinmatters.org. In addition to attending local government meetings, school events and supporting local community organizations, Steve provides some photojournalism as he reports on his weekly walks around our community. He is a true treasure in Franklin; a local Hero! It will be an interesting and informative evening!

Franklin Newcomers and Friends

No need to be a newcomer to the area . . . and no need to RSVP. Come join us and have fun while you make connections in your community. We are a multi-generational club offering a wide range of activities for all ages with an emphasis on fun and camaraderie. We are a member driven organization and are always excited to welcome new faces and new ideas.

Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, are welcome to join us the 2nd Wednesday of the month (occasionally we switch Wednesdays to accommodate holidays or speakers). We run our meetings September through May. 

We meet at “3” Restaurant, 461 W. Central Street, Franklin, upstairs in a private room. Complimentary hot appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available.

Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year. Look for us on our website www.franklinnewcomers.com, or on our Facebook page or on Meetup.com, Franklin Newcomers & Friends Club. 


Yes, this is a public appearance which I will make and be the speaker, not the reporter. I have a few stories to tell, some photos to share, and a few tips on navigating the news. Bring your questions!

“I’m blessed with three, but it’s probably not enough”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Coronavirus headlines dominate the public’s attention. Worldwide cases exceed 105,000, with more than 3,500 deaths, including 19 in the U.S., and the World Health Organization urged governments to “pull out all the stops” to fight the disease.

The headlines put a spotlight on an existing problem in Massachusetts, according to one public health advocate – not enough funding for local public health departments to tackle big public health issues, like coronavirus, and smaller ones, including restaurant inspections that protect the public against food-borne illness.

“Headlines (about coronavirus) recognize that it’s time for investment (in local public health),” said Carlene Pavlos, executive director of the Massachusetts Public Health Association.

In the Bay State, it’s a story of haves and have nots when it comes to public health. Much of the disparity comes down to population. Bigger communities have room in their budgets to carve out money for public health, while smaller communities often don’t have that luxury."

 Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200309/advocate-says-there-arent-enough-resources-for-public-health-protection

The quote is from Natick. Franklin has one health inspector for our 34,000 population. As the budget discussion has just begun, this is timely.

Town of Franklin Health Dept  https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/urgent-alerts/corona-virus-information-portal

Franklin Public Schools: Update on Coronavirus from Superintendent Ahern

March 8, 2020

Dear Franklin Families and Faculty/Staff,

I am writing with a follow-up communication to the February 28, 2020 letter to the community. As a district, we continue to remain informed of the health advisories being issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), and other agencies. We also continue to communicate internally among administrators, teachers, our local Health Department, School Nurse Leader, and consulting School Physician. Nursing staff are monitoring illness within the student body and are prepared to react appropriately. Our response continues to align with agency guidance.

MDPH continues to communicate that the immediate risk to the general public remains low. The Town of Franklin has developed a Coronavirus portal, where the public can access the latest information:
https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/urgent-alerts/corona-virus-information-portal

We continue to remain vigilant about keeping a clean school environment. Our custodians are engaged in the regular cleaning of schools, as they routinely do during cold and flu season. They have also augmented this regular cleaning with additional cleaning and sanitization of hard surfaces. They have also made sure that the hand-sanitizing stations, located across all schools, are full and operable. We continue to reinforce that ill students and staff should remain at home.

We learned over the weekend that two staff members, who are asymptomatic, have been asked to self-quarantine after having attended a function with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. One staff member works at Horace Mann Middle School and one at Annie Sullivan Middle School. We have sought guidance from MDPH on this matter and are assured that we do not need to take additional steps at this time. Out of an abundance of caution, custodial staff were called in on Sunday to conduct an extra round of cleaning and sanitization of both Horace Mann Middle School and Annie Sullivan Middle School, as well as the common spaces shared with Oak St. Elementary and Keller Elementary schools.

Earlier in the week, Governor Baker urged schools to cancel international spring field trips. Franklin does not currently have an overseas trip planned for the spring; however, we have a trip to Switzerland and Germany planned for the summer. At this time, we have not cancelled travel plans but are remaining informed of cancellation guidance about summer international travel, as well as local, regional, and national travel. We are also remaining informed about any guidance that is issued related to large gatherings.

Undoubtedly, children are hearing a lot about the Coronavirus. This resource may be of assistance to you in addressing questions they may ask:
https://www.open-circle.org/what-s-new/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-coronavirus

As a reminder, here are some general precautions we all should take to remain healthy:

● Practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Use Alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
● When coughing and sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. You can also cough or sneeze into your sleeve. Throw used tissues in the trash and immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
● Avoid sharing drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, dishes, towels or other items. Wash these items thoroughly with soap and water after use.
● Avoid close contact with people who are sick whenever possible.
● Practice other good health habits: Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Again, please keep children home from school when they are ill. If your child has any of the following symptoms please keep them home from school: temperature greater than 100, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, any rash not yet diagnosed by a physician, red or pink itchy eye, and/or drainage from eye, and any contagious illness such as chicken pox, strep throat or flu. We also ask that staff stay home when they are ill in order to prevent the spread of infections.

The Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) continues to be an evolving situation that we are following closely. We will keep you informed with updates and information that become available to us. We continue to seek out information, sharing it as appropriate, and following all recommended guidelines to ensure the safety of our students and staff, as we are deeply committed to their well-being.

Sincerely,

Sara E. Ahern, Ed.D. 
Superintendent of Schools

This was shared from the PDF copy received. You can download a copy here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KY2DY_kSW-0dgxgxSlqVDKbE58E2ATqf/view?usp=sharing

Superintendent Ahern speaking at HMMS on the demographics study 3/5/20