By Alejandra Matos
A Wisconsin marketer was permanently banned from sending unsolicited text messages to consumers after he sent millions of texts to people promising free gift cards and electronics, the Federal Trade Commission announced last week.
Jason Q. Cruz of West Bend, Wis., allegedly sent the text messages promising free iPads or $1,000 gift cards from major retailers, the FTC said.
Those who clicked on the links were taken to a website that requested their personal information and required them to sign up for multiple "risky" trial offers for "questionable products and services" that cost money or included recurring monthly charges, the FTC said.
The FTC sued Cruz in March, and the ban on future texts settles that lawsuit.
