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The Federal Trade Commission is mailing 1,187 checks totaling more than $48,000 to people who lost money to CPU Service Inc., a company that sent fake invoices to more than 150,000 small businesses to trick them into paying for computer support and consulting they didn’t order.

The company and its owner, Robert Ray Law, are banned from sending unsolicited direct mail to advertise or promote goods or services.

“It’s always a win when we can put money lost to a scam back in the hands of small businesses,” said Tom Pahl, Acting Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The FTC will continue to bring cases that help small businesses stay in business.”

The average check amount is $40.82. Recipients should deposit or cash their checks within 60 days. The FTC never requires people to pay money or provide account information to cash refund checks.

The FTC is committed to helping small business owners avoid scams and protect their computers and networks from cyberattacks and other threats. People who have questions about the case can contact the refund administrator, Rust Consulting Inc., at 800-274-0321.

To learn more about the FTC’s refund program, visit www.ftc.gov/refunds.

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.