New York State In Telemarketing Restitution Deal

Residents of Binghamton, New York City and Long Island are among those expected to benefit from a government settlement with so-called "hard-tactic" telemarketers.

New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman says an agreement has been reached with The Tax Club, Incorporated, which had an office in New York City.

Schneiderman says his office along with the Federal Trade Commission and the Florida attorney general agreed to the $15.6 million settlement.

The Tax Club and related entities had been accused of misleading people regarding purported services designed to help home-based businesses succeed.

Consumers were said to have been charged initial fees of up to $3,000 along with recurring monthly payments.

The deal announced today includes judgments against three of the former company's executives.

The New York attorney general's office started receiving complaints about the firm in 2010.

State officials say people should make sure a work-at-home business opportunity is legitimate before paying any money.