Judge Shuts Down San Fernando Valley-Based Business and Credit Repair Scheme

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A Santa Ana federal judge has permanently shut down the Growth Cave scam, a phony business opportunity and credit repair scheme based in the San Fernando Valley that stole nearly $50 million from consumers since 2020, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced. The scheme's executives, including Lucas Lee-Tyson, Osmany 'Ozzie Blessed' Batte, and Jordan Marksberry, were accused of deceptive marketing and false income promises through YouTube ads and email marketing.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing problem of fraudulent business opportunity and credit repair schemes that target vulnerable consumers, often through deceptive online marketing tactics. The FTC's successful action to shut down Growth Cave and recover assets for consumer redress sends a strong message about cracking down on these types of scams.

The details

The Growth Cave scheme sold an online program called Knowledge Business Accelerator, promising participants they could earn $20,000 to $50,000 in passive income by creating and selling digital education programs. However, the FTC said the operation regularly failed to deliver the promised results while costing consumers thousands of dollars. The amended complaint also alleges that consumers had trouble reaching Growth Cave employees and obtaining customer support.

• The FTC filed suit against Growth Cave last year.
• A Santa Ana federal judge has now permanently shut down the scheme.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The defendants are required to liquidate millions of dollars in assets, including a multimillion-dollar house, luxury vehicles, and other property, to provide consumer redress as part of the settlement.