First Liberty Building & Loan Charged for Operating $140 Million Ponzi Scheme

On July 10, 2025, the SEC announced that it filed charges seeking an asset freeze and other emergency relief against Georgia-based First Liberty Building & Loan, LLC (First Liberty) and its founder and owner, Edwin Brant Frost IV (Frost), in connection with a Ponzi scheme that defrauded approximately 300 investors of at least $140 million.

According to the SEC’s complaint, from approximately 2014 through June 2025, First Liberty and Frost offered and sold to retail investors promissory notes and loan participation agreements that offered returns of up to 18% by representing that investor funds would be used to make short-term bridge loans to businesses at relatively high interest rates.

Allegedly, the defendants told investors that very few of these loans had defaulted and that they would be repaid by borrowers via Small Business Administration or other commercial loans. The SEC’s complaint also alleges that, while some investor funds were used to make bridge loans, those loans did not perform as represented, and most loans ultimately defaulted and ceased making interest payments.

Since at least 2021, First Liberty, according to the SEC’s complaint, operated as a Ponzi scheme by using new investor funds to make principal and interest payments to existing investors. Allegedly, Frost misappropriated investor funds for personal use, including by using investor funds to make over $2.4 million in credit card payments, paying more than $335,000 to a rare coin dealer, and spending $230,000 on family vacations.

Source: SEC.gov

About Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is a nationally recognized, plaintiff-side class action firm dedicated to protecting investors and consumers from fraud and misconduct. Our attorneys have served as Lead or Co-Lead Counsel in major securities cases, recovering over $10 billion for institutional and individual investors.

Our firm litigates securities fraud, fiduciary breaches, unfair mergers and acquisitions, and antitrust violations, while also representing whistleblowers and advocating for victims of data breaches, consumer fraud, vehicle and product defects, employment law violations, retirement plan mismanagement, and other corporate and business misconduct. With a results-driven approach, we pursue justice and substantial recoveries for those we represent.

Kehoe Law Firm’s class action legal services are provided on a contingency-fee basis, meaning clients are not responsible for any fees or litigation expenses.

 

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Illegal Text Messages & Washington State’s Law

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is informing Washington State residents that if you’ve received unsolicited text messages, you may be protected under Washington’s strict privacy laws. In fact, the state’s anti-spam law makes it illegal to send unsolicited commercial text messages if the message is sent:

  • To a telephone number assigned to a Washington resident for a cellular telephone; and
  • From a person conducting business in Washington state.

But it is not illegal if:

  • The message is sent by the subscriber’s cellphone carrier, unless the subscriber has indicated he or she is not willing to receive further commercial text messages from the cellphone carrier; or
  • The recipient has clearly and affirmatively consented in advance to receive the commercial electronic text messages from the sender.

Under Washington State’s anti-spam law, known as the Commercial Electronic Mail Act, a person who receives illegal, unsolicited commercial text messages may bring a civil action to enjoin further violations and seek up to $500 per violation, or actual damages, whichever is greater.

Source: Washington State, Office of the Attorney General & CEMA

Are You a Washington State Resident Who Has Received Illegal, Unsolicited Commercial “Spam” Text Messages?

If so, you may have legal claims and are encouraged to contact Michael Yarnoff, Esq., (215) 792-6676, Ext. 804, [email protected], [email protected], for a free, no-obligation legal evaluation.

About Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is a nationally recognized, plaintiff-side class action firm dedicated to protecting investors and consumers from fraud and misconduct. Our attorneys have served as Lead or Co-Lead Counsel in major securities cases, recovering over $10 billion for institutional and individual investors.

Our firm litigates securities fraud, fiduciary breaches, unfair mergers and acquisitions, and antitrust violations, while also representing whistleblowers and advocating for victims of data breaches, consumer fraud, vehicle and product defects, employment law violations, retirement plan mismanagement, and other corporate and business misconduct. With a results-driven approach, we pursue justice and substantial recoveries for those we represent.

Kehoe Law Firm’s class action legal services are provided on a contingency-fee basis, meaning clients are not responsible for any fees or litigation expenses.

 

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Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.
2001 Market Street
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Philadelphia, PA 19103

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Tel: 215-792-6676

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[email protected]

Investor Alert: Impersonation Scams

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. reminds investors that the SEC has warned about fraudsters who often impersonate legitimate organizations or individuals to carry out scams. These wrongdoers may pose as government agencies, employees, or credible investment professionals such as brokers or investment advisers.

Such impersonators may be involved in advance fee scams, or they may use personal information to commit identity theft or misappropriate financial assets.

To learn more about these types of scams, including how to recognize and avoid them, please visit Impersonation Schemes. 

Source: Investor.gov

About Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is a nationally recognized, plaintiff-side class action firm dedicated to protecting investors and consumers from fraud and misconduct. Our attorneys have served as Lead or Co-Lead Counsel in major securities cases, recovering over $10 billion for institutional and individual investors.

Our firm litigates securities fraud, fiduciary breaches, unfair mergers and acquisitions, and antitrust violations, while also representing whistleblowers and advocating for victims of data breaches, consumer fraud, vehicle and product defects, employment law violations, retirement plan mismanagement, and other corporate and business misconduct. With a results-driven approach, we pursue justice and substantial recoveries for those we represent.

Kehoe Law Firm’s class action legal services are provided on a contingency-fee basis, meaning clients are not responsible for any fees or litigation expenses.

 

SEND US A MESSAGE

Contact Us

ADDRESS

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.
2001 Market Street
Suite 2500
Philadelphia, PA 19103

PHONE

Tel: 215-792-6676

EMAIL

[email protected]

FTC Sends $126 Million in Refunds to Fortnite Players Charged for Unwanted Purchases – Claims Process Reopened

On June 25, 2025, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that the agency is sending more than $126 million in refunds to Fortnite video game players who were charged for unwanted purchases while playing the game.

Importantly, the FTC stated that it is reopening the claim submission process for Fortnite gamers and their parents or guardians to submit a claim for compensation arising from the agency’s 2023 settlement with Fortnite developer Epic Games. As a result of the settlement, the company agreed to pay $245 million to settle the FTC’s allegations that Epic used deceptive practices to trick players into making unwanted purchases.

Fortnite Players Who Have Not Submitted a Claim Form Have Until July 9, 2025 to Submit One

Eligible consumers who have not yet submitted a claim will now have until July 9, 2025, to submit one at www.ftc.gov/fortnite.

Source: FTC – Fortnite Settlement

About Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is a nationally recognized, plaintiff-side class action firm dedicated to protecting investors and consumers from fraud and misconduct. Our attorneys have served as Lead or Co-Lead Counsel in major securities cases, recovering over $10 billion for institutional and individual investors.

Our firm litigates securities fraud, fiduciary breaches, unfair mergers and acquisitions, and antitrust violations, while also representing whistleblowers and advocating for victims of data breaches, consumer fraud, vehicle and product defects, employment law violations, retirement plan mismanagement, and other corporate and business misconduct. With a results-driven approach, we pursue justice and substantial recoveries for those we represent.

Kehoe Law Firm’s class action legal services are provided on a contingency-fee basis, meaning clients are not responsible for any fees or litigation expenses.

 

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Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.
2001 Market Street
Suite 2500
Philadelphia, PA 19103

PHONE

Tel: 215-792-6676

EMAIL

[email protected]

Investor Alert: AI – Artificial Intelligence & Investment Fraud

Be Aware of Investment Fraud and Scams Involving Artificial Intelligence (AI) //

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Office of Investor Education and Advocacy, the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) previously issued an Investor Alert to make investors aware of the increase of investment frauds involving the purported use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies. Individual investors should know that bad actors are using AI to lure victims into scams.

For detailed information and steps you can take to protect yourself from scams and fraud involving AI, click Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Investment Fraud: Investor Alert

Source: Investor.gov

About Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is a nationally recognized, plaintiff-side class action firm dedicated to protecting investors and consumers from fraud and misconduct. Our attorneys have served as Lead or Co-Lead Counsel in major securities cases, recovering over $10 billion for institutional and individual investors.

Our firm litigates securities fraud, fiduciary breaches, unfair mergers and acquisitions, and antitrust violations, while also representing whistleblowers and advocating for victims of data breaches, consumer fraud, vehicle and product defects, employment law violations, retirement plan mismanagement, and other corporate and business misconduct. With a results-driven approach, we pursue justice and substantial recoveries for those we represent.

Kehoe Law Firm’s class action legal services are provided on a contingency-fee basis, meaning clients are not responsible for any fees or litigation expenses.

 

SEND US A MESSAGE

Contact Us

ADDRESS

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.
2001 Market Street
Suite 2500
Philadelphia, PA 19103

PHONE

Tel: 215-792-6676

EMAIL

[email protected]

Right to Repair Bill Passes in Texas

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is ensuring consumers are aware that Texas is on the verge of enacting a significant “Right to Repair” law. Texas Legislature HB 2963, which mandates that manufacturers provide spare parts, manuals, and required tools for products sold or used in Texas, has been unanimously approved by both the Texas House (126-0) and Texas Senate (31-0).

If signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott, Texas will become the ninth state to adopt right to repair legislation and, importantly, the seventh state with a right to repair law including consumer electronics. This move aims to reduce electronic waste—estimated at 621,000 tons annually in Texas—and expand repair access for consumers and independent shops.

Sources: TheVerge.com, “Texas Right to Repair bill passes, heads to the governor’s desk”; PIRG.org, “Right to Repair passes overwhelmingly in Texas” (referenced in TheVerge.com article).

About Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is a nationally recognized, plaintiff-side class action firm dedicated to protecting investors and consumers from fraud and misconduct. Our attorneys have served as Lead or Co-Lead Counsel in major securities cases, recovering over $10 billion for institutional and individual investors.

Our firm litigates securities fraud, fiduciary breaches, unfair mergers and acquisitions, and antitrust violations, while also representing whistleblowers and advocating for victims of data breaches, consumer fraud, vehicle and product defects, employment law violations, retirement plan mismanagement, and other corporate and business misconduct. With a results-driven approach, we pursue justice and substantial recoveries for those we represent.

Kehoe Law Firm’s class action legal services are provided on a contingency-fee basis, meaning clients are not responsible for any fees or litigation expenses.

 

SEND US A MESSAGE

Contact Us

ADDRESS

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.
2001 Market Street
Suite 2500
Philadelphia, PA 19103

PHONE

Tel: 215-792-6676

EMAIL

[email protected]