Phoebe Gates Linked to Cookie-Stuffing Allegations Behind Phia Startup

Phoebe Gates, co-founder of the Phia shopping‑assist startup, is accused of “cookie stuffing” to inflate affiliate credits, a practice Bloomberg says was known for months and was disabled in July. If treated as federal wire fraud, the conduct could carry up to 20 years in prison. Phia says misattribution features were removed, is issuing reversals, and tightening compliance, while backers and Gates emphasize efforts to fix the issue and continue offering services.