Moreover, the default defendants are permanently banned from selling franchises, business opportunities and income-generating ventures. The settlement and default judgments contain various recordkeeping and reporting requirements designed to assist the FTC in monitoring the defendants' compliance. The Commission vote authorizing staff to file the proposed settlement as to Michael Portman was 5-0. The Order for Default Judgment was entered and signed by the judge on February 26, 2001. This stipulated judgment and order is for settlement purposes only and does not constitute an admission by the defendant of a law violation.
Consent judgments have the force of law when signed by the judge.
The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity thief and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. FTC Matter No. Business Opportunity Scams FTC v. Advanced Public Communications Corporation, et al.