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The Federal Trade Commission is sending refund checks to people deceived by the operators of an alleged tech support scheme.

The refunds stem from a settlement the FTC and the State of Alabama reached last year with Troth Solutions over allegations that the defendants tricked people into believing their computers were infected with viruses and malware, and then charged them hundreds of dollars for unnecessary repairs. According to the complaint, the defendants used phone calls and online ads resembling security alerts from major technology companies to trick people into contacting the defendants and providing access to the consumers’ computers. The defendants then claimed consumers’ computers were infected with viruses, hacked, or experiencing other problems. The scheme’s operators used high-pressure tactics to persuade consumers to pay hundreds of dollars for unnecessary computer repair services, service plans, anti-virus protection or software, and other products and services.

As part of the settlement, the FTC is mailing checks averaging $380 and totaling more than $26,000 to 70 consumers. Recipients should deposit or cash checks within 60 days, as indicated on the check.

The FTC never requires people to pay money or provide account information to cash a refund check. If recipients have questions about the refunds, they should contact the FTC’s refund administrator, Rust Consulting, Inc., at 1-877-874-7557.

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.