A lawsuit was filed by Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson on Wednesday against a South Carolina company. Ferguson alleges the company used deceptive marketing tactics to persuade Washington residents into paying $30,000 for an online course.
According to Ferguson’s statement, the company, Prehired LLC, told potential customers in advertisements, “We guarantee you land a $60k+ job offer (from a tech company YOU choose).”
The statement said the claim was one of several the company made that proved to be a lie, which made the advertisement illegal. Ferguson alleged when the students failed to pay the amount due, the company used “aggressive collection techniques like lawsuits and forced arbitration” to attempt to receive the money it charged.
The lawsuit was filed in King County Superior Court and claims Prehired and its owner, Joshua Jordan, violated state law by engaging in deceptive advertising and collection practices as well as by operating in the state without a license.
At least 39 Washington residents signed a contract with the company, though the total number is not yet known.
The lawsuit seeks restitution for all Washington residents who signed up for the program as well as fees and civil penalties. State law allows Ferguson to seek up to $7,500 for every violation.
“I intend to make sure Jordan and his company do not prey on anyone else. I will fight to see his victims paid back and help get them out from under these illegal contracts,” Ferguson said.
If you paid Prehired for online sales training, Ferguson urges you file a complaint at www.atg.wa.gov/file-complaint.
