The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has obtained a temporary restraining order against NERD Solutions Inc., ED REF Inc., and their operators Natalie Rodriguez and Pablo Ortiz, over an alleged scheme that pretended to offer student loan debt relief.
Since at least February 2022, the defendants allegedly misled consumers by claiming affiliation with the U.S. Department of Education or loan servicers. They used cold calls — including to thousands on the National Do Not Call list — to falsely promise student loan forgiveness programs that do not exist.
The complaint filed by the FTC states the scheme induced consumers to pay illegal upfront monthly fees as high as $1,400. According to the agency, the defendants collected at least $8.8 million from borrowers who are already struggling with student loan debt.
The defendants face charges of violating multiple laws, including the FTC Act, the Telemarketing Sales Rule, the Impersonation Rule, and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. The case is currently before the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, which issued the restraining order on April 13, 2026.
The FTC was assisted in the investigation by the Ohio Office of the Attorney General. The Commission voted unanimously to file the complaint.
Why it matters
Student loan borrowers are vulnerable to fraud schemes promising debt relief or forgiveness in exchange for upfront fees, which are prohibited under federal law. This enforcement action aims to protect consumers from deceptive practices and financial harm.
Background
The Federal Trade Commission enforces laws against deceptive and unfair business practices, including illegal telemarketing and impersonation of government agencies. The Telemarketing Sales Rule bans advance fees for debt relief services, a key element of this case.
The FTC advises consumers that it never demands money upfront, threatens individuals, or promises prizes. People who encounter suspicious offers related to student loans or debt relief are encouraged to report them at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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Sources
This article is based on reporting and publicly available information from the following source: