In a significant legal development, Tech has come under the spotlight as the Nebraska Attorney General has taken action against WiFi Money. This social-media collective has made significant claims about passive income opportunities but now finds itself facing legal consequences. The lawsuit alleges that WiFi Money has caused Nebraska state residents to lose over $3 million through its controversial investment pitches. Unraveling the Legal Battle between Nebraska and WiFi Money
WiFi Money's Controversial Business Model
WiFi Money has long been known for its aggressive marketing of entrepreneurial philosophy and online "passive income" opportunities on Instagram. The influencers behind it have built a brand around their flashy lifestyles, showcasing private jets, supercars, luxury watches, and endless vacations. They promised that anyone could "make money anywhere in the world, by doing one simple action… connecting to WiFi." Beyond dropshipping, they also pitched cryptocurrency, real estate, business bootcamps, and investments related to the Employee Retention Credit.However, this alluring idea has now led to legal troubles. The Nebraska Attorney General's lawsuit focuses on investment opportunities marketed during the COVID-19 pandemic that failed to deliver on their promises. At least 60 Nebraskans paid tens of thousands of dollars each to buy e-commerce "stores" but saw no return on their investment.The Allegations and Violations
The lawsuit accuses WiFi Money members and several partner companies of violating the Consumer Protections Act and Nebraska's Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices. One specific member of the group is accused of making "misleading and deceptive claims regarding the breadth and success of Defendants’ 'e-commerce automation' schemes." This person "misrepresented her own success and finances, flaunting a high-end and wealthy persona online to mislead consumers."After taking money from Nebraska consumers, Defendants spent the funds on luxury vacations in exotic locales, Lamborghinis, Cadillac Escalades, and other high-end vehicles, multi-million-dollar mansions, jewelry, designer clothing, private airplanes, a lakehouse, and countless other extravagances. This lavish lifestyle was used to lure more consumers into the scheme.Legal Battles and Settlements
WiFi Money has been accused of fraud numerous times, including in an ongoing lawsuit in Florida involving more than 30 disgruntled former investors. Nearly 100 complaints have been lodged with the FTC about WiFi Money and two of its partner companies.In May, the organization had an almost $1 million lien against its jet over unpaid mechanic and storage fees. However, in September, it reached a settlement with the aircraft maintenance firm, with the details of the settlement remaining undisclosed.Got a tip? Contact this reporter via encrypted messaging app Signal (+1 650-636-6268), email (rprice@businessinsider.com or robaeprice@protonmail.com), Telegram / Wickr / WeChat (robaeprice), X/Twitter DM (@robaeprice), or mail: Rob Price, Business Insider, 44 Montgomery St, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104, USA.
