Boise Internet training company barred from Idaho

Will pay $100,000 to resolve consumer complaints

A Boise-based company that sold ecommerce training is prohibited from doing business in Idaho under terms of a legal settlement with Attorney General Lawrence Wasden. The company, eCommerce Support, LLC, also will pay $90,000 in restitution and reimburse the Attorney General $10,000 for the cost of his investigation.

Wasden said more than 70 consumers who purchased ecommerce training services from eCommerce Support will share in the restitution fund. The settlement resolves the Attorney General’s investigation and consumer protection lawsuit against the company.

“My office has seen an increase in complaints against ecommerce training companies located in Idaho,” Wasden said. “I encourage Idahoans considering starting an online business to learn all they can about any training company before they invest in ecommerce training. At a minimum, consumers should check with my Consumer Protection Division and the Better Business Bureau to see if there are complaints against the company with whom they are considering doing business.”

Wasden’s office began investigating eCommerce Support after consumers complained the company misrepresented the written materials and coaching services purportedly designed to help consumers develop Internet businesses. Consumers alleged they paid thousands of dollars to eCommerce Support based on the company’s false claims that consumers: were investing in a business; would earn a specific sum of money within a short amount of time; only had to work 10 hours per week to make money; could deduct the cost of the program from their taxes, and, among other things; and would receive a professional, functioning website.

Consumers in Idaho and throughout the United States claimed they paid eCommerce Support for coaching services, but the coaches failed to provide consumers with adequate time or instruction. eCommerce Support allegedly did not inform some consumers of their right to cancel or allow others to cancel when they contacted the company.

The settlement holds a $50,000 civil penalty in abeyance, pending eCommerce Support’s compliance with the settlement.

By late January, the Attorney General expects to contact the consumers who have filed complaints with his office and are eligible to receive payments. Although they will not be eligible for restitution, Wasden encourages other consumers who lost money to eCommerce Support and have not yet filed a complaint to do so. Consumer complaint forms are available from the Attorney General’s website at www.ag.idaho.gov or by calling 208-334-2424.