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FTC Returns Money to Consumers Harmed by Trend Deploy’s Deceptive Marketing

Frank RomeroAugust 1, 2025Federal Trade Commission

Penalty Amount

$672,000

Consumers Affected

9,419

Summary

The FTC is returning over $672,000 to consumers who were deceived by Frank Romero, operator of Trend Deploy, for violating the Mail Order Rule. The court order required Romero to pay the FTC, and the FTC is now distributing refunds to 9,419 affected consumers.

Remedy

Frank Romero agreed to a court order requiring payment to the FTC for Mail Order Rule violations. The FTC is using the funds to provide refunds to affected consumers.

Monetary Penalty

Contract Impact

In-house legal teams should review customer-facing terms of sale, shipping policies, and refund policies to ensure compliance with the FTC's Mail Order Rule. They should also review vendor agreements with fulfillment providers to ensure they can meet shipping deadlines and provide required notices to consumers. Clauses related to order fulfillment, shipping timelines, and consumer refunds should be updated to include explicit consent and notice procedures.

Contract Search Terms

mail order ruleshipping delayrefund policyconsent to delaynotice of delaydeceptive marketingFTC Actconsumer protection

Laws Cited

FTC ActMail Order Rule
16 CFR Part 435

Violation Types

Entity Details

Entity

Frank Romero

Industry

Advertising

Official Sources

Source Evidence

Entity Name
"operator of Trend Deploy, Frank Romero"
Fine Amount
"more than $672,000"
Laws Cited
"Mail Order Rule Violations"
Violation Types
"deceptive marketing"
Consumers Affected
"9,419 checks"

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