Americans Defrauded of Over $200 Million in Recurring Billing Scam, FTC Alleges

Consumers nationwide were unwittingly charged on an ongoing basis in a scheme allegedly run by groups in the UK and Florida.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) building in Washington, D.C. Paul J. Richards/AFP via Getty Images

Millions of U.S. consumers who clicked ads for “free” cannabidiol (CBD) and keto-related products were defrauded out of more than $200 million by two groups, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) alleges in a complaint unsealed in a central Florida court on July 1.

Consumers across the United States were unwittingly added to a continuity plan for products they did not sign up for and charged on an ongoing basis.