FTC expands case against credit repair operation

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN)— The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has amended its complaint against Growth Cave, a business opportunity and credit repair operation accused of defrauding consumers out of nearly $50 million.

The FTC now names LLT Research as a defendant, accusing the company of operating behind PassiveApps, a product launched by Lucas Lee-Tyson in 2024. The complaint also adds Friendly Solar, Inc. as a relief defendant. The FTC alleges the company acted as a shell to receive funds without providing services.

The original complaint, filed in February 2025, claims Growth Cave and its operators misled consumers with false income promises. The FTC states that the scheme defrauded customers of nearly $50 million, as they paid thousands for business opportunities that failed to deliver.

A federal court froze the defendants’ assets and halted operations after the initial filing. That order remains in effect as the case moves forward.

The Commission voted 3-0 to approve the amended complaint, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

FTC attorneys Maris Snell and Adrienne Jenkins from the East Central Region and Miles Freeman from the Western Region are leading the case.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and protect and educate consumers. The FTC will never demand money, make threats, tell you to transfer money, or promise you a prize. Learn more about consumer topics at consumer.ftc.gov, or report fraud, scams, and bad business practices at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.