FTC permanently bans student loan scheme operator Dennise Merdjanian

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has reached a proposed settlement that would permanently bar Dennise Merdjanian from providing debt‑relief services or engaging in telemarketing. The order follows an FTC lawsuit alleging Merdjanian and Nevada‑based Superior Servicing LLC misled borrowers by claiming affiliation with the U.S. Department of Education and promising quick student‑loan forgiveness. The settlement includes a monetary judgment exceeding $45.9 million, most of which is suspended due to the operator’s inability to pay.

Earlier FTC actions also prohibited scheme operators Eric Caldwell and David Hernandez from participating in the debt‑relief industry. The agency continues to advise consumers to avoid upfront fees, false promises of rapid forgiveness, and fraudulent seals, directing borrowers to official resources at StudentAid.gov and ftc.gov/StudentLoans.