Based on complaints filed by consumers, last month we issued a civil investigative demand to Zeekler, a penny auction website based in Lexington, NC, seeking records so we could examine its business practices. We have started receiving those documents and are continuing to investigate the company.
Zeekler apparently shut down its website and closed its doors overnight, leaving many consumers with questions.
Today, Rex Venture Group, the parent company of Zeekler and Zeek Rewards, entered into a settlement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC alleged that Rex Venture Group was engaged in the unregistered sale of securities. Our office had expressed concerns about Zeekler publicly as well as to federal law enforcement. A receiver has been appointed to take over the business.
Consumers who are part of Zeekler should contact the receiver appointed by the court to handle the company’s assets. We will share the receiver’s contact information as soon as it is available.
Consumers who wish to contact the Attorney General’s Office about Zeekler/Zeek Rewards can send an email to zeek@ncdoj.gov.
If someone offers you the opportunity to buy into a business, remember:
- Be skeptical of high earnings claims
- Be especially cautious if the focus is on recruiting new members and selling products or services to them as they join.
- Check out the company with our office and the Better Business Bureau. You can contact our Consumer Protection Division at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or ncdoj.gov.
- And if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
This message brought to you on behalf of North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper.