FTC Settlement Shuts Down Blueprint to Wealth Scheme, Imposes Lifetime Bans on Defendants

The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) has reached a settlement with two individuals responsible for running the fraudulent "Blueprint to Wealth" business opportunity scheme. The defendants, Robert William Shafer and Samuel J. Smith, have agreed to settlements that include lifetime bans on marketing or selling money-making opportunities and investment schemes. This settlement follows a lawsuit filed by the FTC in December 2023, which revealed how the defendants bilked consumers out of millions of dollars with false promises of lucrative online businesses. The "Blueprint to Wealth" program, which operated under several names, preyed on individuals eager to start their own businesses, offering them what seemed like a golden opportunity. Consumers were promised fully operational online businesses that would generate substantial income with little effort on their part. However, the businesses were little more than a front for recruiting new members into the program, with a focus on selling memberships rather than delivering any real services or products. Participants were charged exorbitant fees, ranging from $3,000 to $21,000, plus additional administrative charges.