WASHINGTON, D.C. — A federal court has issued a temporary restraining order against Click Profit and its operators, following allegations from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that the company orchestrated a deceptive business opportunity scheme. The company is accused of defrauding consumers out of millions of dollars by falsely promising lucrative earnings through its proprietary system for online sales.
According to the FTC, Click Profit—which also operated under names such as FBALaunch and Automation Industries—lured consumers with claims of “guaranteed passive income” powered by artificial intelligence. The company allegedly misrepresented affiliations with major brands like Nike and Disney to persuade individuals to invest tens of thousands of dollars. Customers were charged a steep “management fee” of at least $45,000, in addition to significant inventory costs, with few achieving the promised returns. Many customers were left with debt and unsold products.
The FTC’s complaint further reveals that Click Profit’s co-founder Craig Emslie appeared in ads flaunting cash to illustrate potential earnings, while testimonials from supposed satisfied customers were used to bolster credibility. The company frequently suggested it could secure “buyout deals” for online stores at high multiples, enticing consumers to make hefty financial commitments.
However, detailed statistics provided by the FTC paint a different picture. Nearly 95% of Click Profit-operated stores on Amazon were reportedly blocked, suspended, or terminated, leaving the majority of participants unable to recover their investments. The few stores generating revenue often pressured consumers into reinvesting earnings for additional inventory, compounding their financial losses.
The FTC also alleged that the company used unlawful non-disparagement clauses to threaten customers who sought refunds or complained about the services provided. Refunds, when granted, often came only after outside intervention from organizations like the Better Business Bureau or law enforcement.
Click Profit and its co-founders Emslie and Patrick McGeoghean, along with partners Jason Masri and William Holton, face charges of violating multiple federal regulations, including the FTC Act, the Business Opportunity Rule, the Consumer Review Fairness Act, and the Rule on Impersonation of Government and Businesses.
“A business opportunity should offer consumers actual opportunities—not false promises and overwhelming debt,” said Christopher Mufarrige, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. The FTC is seeking to hold the company accountable and ensure restitution for the victims of these alleged practices.
The court’s restraining order, issued by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida on March 5, 2025, freezes company assets and halts operations as the case moves forward.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.