WASHINGTON, D.C. — Three defendants accused of playing key roles in the IM Mastery Academy scheme will pay $2.5 million to settle Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and State of Nevada allegations that they lured consumers into costly financial training programs and a multi-level marketing (MLM) venture using deceptive income claims.
According to the joint complaint, the enterprise—most recently operating as IYOVIA and previously branded as IM Mastery Academy, iMarketsLive, and IM Academy—marketed itself as a pathway to wealth through investment training in financial markets and by recruiting others into the MLM program. The FTC contends the operation targeted young people through social media, showcasing images of luxury cars, lavish vacations, and expensive homes, allegedly funded by trading profits and MLM commissions.
Regulators estimate that since 2018, the scheme has caused over $1.2 billion in consumer harm.
Key Defendants and Allegations
The settlement resolves claims against Global Dynasty Network, LLC, and its principals, Jason Brown and Matthew Rosa. The FTC and Nevada allege that Brown and Rosa were among the top earners in the IM Mastery Academy network, collectively receiving more than $36 million through the business, largely funneled via Global Dynasty Network.
The complaint states that the pair not only made false or unsubstantiated earnings claims but also coached other salespeople on how to make similar statements while evading detection. Additionally, Brown, a corporate officer of IM Mastery Academy, allegedly arranged for fake positive online reviews to be posted under a pseudonym to bolster the company’s image.
Settlement Terms
Under the proposed federal court order, Brown, Rosa, and Global Dynasty Network face a $36 million judgment, which will be suspended upon payment of $2.5 million, provided they have not misrepresented their financial condition. If they are found to have concealed assets or lied about their finances, the full amount will become due.
The settlement permanently bars the defendants from:
- Making earnings claims without written proof that such results are typical for consumers.
- Misrepresenting any good or service they market or sell.
- Violating the Telemarketing Sales Rule, including false statements about income potential or profitability.
- Selling goods or services with “negative option” billing—such as automatic renewals—without clearly disclosing terms and obtaining express consent before charging consumers.
The Commission approved the stipulated final order unanimously, 3-0. The proposed order has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada. Litigation against the remaining defendants is ongoing.
This action marks another step in the FTC’s broader crackdown on deceptive income schemes, especially those aimed at financially vulnerable and younger consumers.
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