Politics

Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker Advised 'Scam' Company

President Trump appointed Whitaker in place of the deputy attorney general, who would normally have taken over the post.

Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker Advised 'Scam' Company
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Acting attorney general Matthew Whitaker served on the advisory board of a company accused of scamming people out of millions of dollars. 

Whitaker advised World Patent Marketing, which the Federal Trade Commission says charged customers to patent and market their inventions, but never actually provided that service. 

The company settled with the FTC last year for more than $25 million, but the Wall Street Journal reports the FBI is still actively investigating it, which could lead to criminal charges. 

In addition to serving on the advisory board, Whitaker reportedly corresponded with customers who complained. Court records reportedly showed Whitaker emailed one customer to say they could face legal consequences for filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.  

Additional reporting by Newsy affiliate CNN