FTC Refunds, Drug Prices, and New Company Shares

This week in 60 seconds

• The FTC is returning nearly $3 million to people affected by a mortgage relief scam ^[5].
• The FTC secured a settlement to help lower prescription drug costs ^[6].
• The Justice Department wants help finding those who cause high gas prices ^[9].
• Jersey Mike's Subs plans to offer its company shares to the public ^[4].
• EagleBank agreed to a Non-Prosecution Agreement for failing to have an anti-money laundering program ^[12].

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FTC issues refunds for mortgage relief scam

In one line: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is returning nearly $3 million to consumers who were tricked by a deceptive mortgage relief program ^[5].

What happened

• The FTC is returning $2,960,344.97 to people who were part of the Golden Home Services (also called Home Matters USA) scheme ^[5].
• This scheme falsely promised to reduce people's mortgage payments ^[5].
• The refunds are going to 2,059 consumers ^[5].

Why it matters to you

• If you were affected by this specific scam, you might receive some money back.
• This shows that the FTC is working to get your money back from companies that use deceptive practices.

Quick facts

• Who is affected: Consumers deceived by Golden Home Services/Home Matters USA ^[5]
• Amount: $2,960,344.97 in total refunds ^[5]
• How to act: Wait to receive your payment by check or PayPal. If you have questions, call the refund administrator ^[5].

FTC acts to lower drug costs

In one line: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reached a settlement with Express Scripts to lower prescription drug costs for patients ^[6].

What happened

• The FTC settled with Express Scripts, Inc. (ESI), one of the biggest pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) ^[6].
• This settlement happened on February 4, 2026 ^[6].
• The agreement changes ESI's business practices ^[6].

Why it matters to you

• These changes are expected to cut down how much you pay out-of-pocket for some drugs, like insulin, by a lot ^[6].
• The settlement should also bring money to community pharmacies ^[6].

Quick facts

• Who is affected: Patients who use prescription drugs, especially insulin ^[6]
• Amount: Up to $7 billion in out-of-pocket cost savings over 10 years ^[6]
• How to act: No action is needed from you. The settlement puts new rules on Express Scripts ^[6].

The settlement requires ESI to adopt fundamental changes to its business practices that increase transparency, are expected to drive down patients’ out-of-pocket costs for drugs like insulin by up to $7 billion over 10 years, bring millions of dollars in new revenue to community pharmacies each year, and advance the Trump Administration’s key healthcare priorities ^[6].

Justice Department seeks help on high gas prices

In one line: The Justice Department and FTC are asking state authorities to investigate antitrust (anti-competition) and consumer protection issues related to high gas prices ^[9].

What happened

• The Justice Department's Antitrust Division and the FTC issued a public call for action ^[9].
• They want state attorneys general to look into illegal activities that cause high gas prices ^[9].
• Federal enforcers are watching the petroleum markets closely ^[9].

Why it matters to you

• This shows that the government is trying to stop unfair practices that might make you pay more at the pump.
• It means that agencies are working together to enforce laws that prevent price gouging or other illegal actions affecting gas prices.

Quick facts

• Who is affected: All consumers who buy gasoline ^[9]
• How to act: Report suspicious activities related to gas prices to your state attorney general or the FTC if you believe illegal conduct is happening ^[9].

Jersey Mike's Subs prepares to offer public shares

In one line: Jersey Mike's Subs Inc. is getting ready to offer its company shares to the public ^[4].

What happened

• Jersey Mike's Subs Inc. filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) ^[4].
• This means they plan to sell parts of their company (securities) to the public ^[4].
• The process can take some time before the shares are actually available ^[4].

Why it matters to you

• This could be an opportunity to invest in a well-known company if you are interested in buying stocks.
• It suggests the company is growing and seeking more capital.

Quick facts

• Who is affected: Potential investors interested in new public stock offerings ^[4]
• How to act: Keep an eye out for news about when the shares will actually be available for sale. You will need a brokerage account to buy shares ^[4].

EagleBank settles anti-money laundering charges

In one line: EagleBank has agreed to a Non-Prosecution Agreement with the Justice Department for not maintaining a proper anti-money laundering program ^[12].

What happened

• The bank admitted it willfully failed to keep up its anti-money laundering (AML) compliance program ^[12]. S.

Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania reached this agreement ^[12].

• EagleBank already settled with the SEC and Federal Reserve Board in 2022 for past issues ^[12].

Why it matters to you

• Banks must have strong programs to prevent illegal money activities, which helps protect the financial system.
• This settlement shows that authorities are holding financial institutions accountable.

Quick facts

• Who is affected: EagleBank and its customers ^[12]
• How to act: You do not need to take any action. Your bank should have strong anti-money laundering programs in place ^[12].

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This weekly briefing is generated from publicly available materials (SEC, FTC, DOJ, CFPB, CourtListener) for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify details with the linked primary sources.