The Federal Trade Commission and Small Business Administration (SBA) Sent Warning Letters

Summary

A Federal Trade Commission press release stating that the FTC and the Small Business Administration (SBA) sent warning letters to ITMedia Solutions, LLC (IT Media) and Lendio, Inc. (Lendio), whose marketing could lead consumers to believe the companies are affiliated with the SBA or that consumers can apply on their site for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. The letter to California-based IT Media highlights claims like Your Paycheck Protection Program Loan starts here. The letter to Utah-based Lendio also points to another Lendio lead generator whose site has advertised its services for a $495 fee, despite the SBA prohibiting lead generators or other agents from charging fees to PPP loan applicants. The letters instruct the recipients to notify the FTC within 48 hours.

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Full text

Online Advertising and Marketing

Credit and Finance

Credit and Loans

The Federal Trade Commission and Small Business Administration (SBA) sent warning letters to two companies that may be misleading small businesses seeking SBA loans as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The letters are being sent to ITMedia Solutions, LLC (IT Media) and Lendio, Inc. (Lendio), whose marketing could lead consumers to believe they are affiliated with the SBA, or that consumers can apply on their site for loans through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or other programs authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

The letter to California-based IT Media, which operates SBA.com among other sites, highlights claims like “Your Paycheck Protection Program Loan starts here!” and encouraging consumers to “Get Started” with PPP loan applications.

The letter to Utah-based Lendio warns the company about its own claims and those of lead generators who work for it, including IT Media. In addition to the claims noted above, the letter also points to another Lendio lead generator whose site has claimed it was an authorized SBA loan packager for PPP and has advertised its services for a $495 fee, despite the SBA prohibiting lead generators or other agents from charging fees to PPP loan applicants.

The letters warn the recipients to take immediate action to ensure all deceptive claims are removed and to remediate any harm to small business consumers as a result of the claims. The letters also instruct the recipients to notify the FTC within 48 hours about the specific actions they have taken to address the agency’s concerns.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and protect and educate consumers. The FTC will never demand money, make threats, tell you to transfer money, or promise you a prize. Learn more about consumer topics at consumer.ftc.gov, or report fraud, scams, and bad business practices at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Follow the FTC on social media, read consumer alerts and the business blog, and sign up to get the latest FTC news and alerts.

Press Release Reference

FTC and SBA Warn Six Companies to Stop Potentially Misleading Marketing Aimed at Small Businesses Seeking Coronavirus Relief Loans

Contact Information

CONTACT FOR CONSUMERS:
Consumer Response Center
877-382-4357

MEDIA CONTACT:
Jay Mayfield
Office of Public Affairs
202-326-2656

STAFF CONTACT:
Dan Dwyer
Division of Financial Practices
202-326-2957

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