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The Federal Trade Commission is mailing checks totaling approximately $6.3 million to consumers who bought Kevin Trudeau’s book, “The Weight Loss Cure ‘They’ Don’t Want You to Know About.” In 2009, a federal judge ordered Trudeau to repay millions of dollars to consumers after he violated a 2004 FTC stipulated order by misrepresenting the book’s content.

For years, Trudeau fought the FTC’s efforts to collect the money he owes consumers, including repeatedly denying that he had any money and hindering efforts to find his money. During one court proceeding, he “took the fifth” hundreds of times rather than answer questions about where his money was. At one point, the judge jailed Trudeau for not cooperating. Eventually, a court-appointed receiver located a portion of the money, which the FTC is now using to partially repay consumers.

Consumers should deposit or cash checks within 60 days of the mailing date. Those who deposit or cash their checks may receive future proceeds if funds become available. The FTC never requires consumers to pay money or to provide information before refund checks can be cashed. Consumers who receive checks and have questions can contact the FTC’s refund administrator, Analytics, at 844-828-4437. Learn more about this refund program at ftc.gov/trudeau.

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.