Man Creates Fake Internet Service Provider to Defraud Low-Income Families

An Ohio man created a fake Internet service provider, according to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

to deceive consumers with low levelsincome who thought they were receiving government-funded discounts on internet services. The FCC has proposed fining alleged fraudster Kyle Traxler $220,210. Discuss

Traxler created an organization called CleoCommunications, which has applied for permission to become a provider in the FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program, where providers are eligible to provide $50 monthly rebates on internet service and device rebates.

The FCC began an investigation after receiving complaints fromconsumers in at least eight states. In some cases, consumers said Cleo threatened to sue them after they sought refunds for goods and services they did not receive. Cleo's terms of service stated that the company never issues refunds and that attempting to obtain a refund through bank refunds is a "breach of contract."