Amazon Supports Department of Justice’s Prosecution of Four Defendants Charged with Fraud

Rhea-AI Summary

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan has indicted four individuals related to a major fraud scheme that exploited Amazon’s textbook rental program, leading to charges including mail and wire fraud. The investigation, supported by Amazon's anti-fraud systems, revealed over 30 counts of fraud committed against the company. Amazon expressed gratitude for the support from law enforcement agencies in prosecuting this case, highlighting its commitment to protecting customers and ensuring trust in its services.

Positive

• Strong collaboration with law enforcement agencies in prosecuting fraud cases.
• Robust anti-fraud systems identified and supported the investigation.

Negative

• Fraudulent activities undermined the trust and value provided to Amazon customers.

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Amazon.com, Inc.:

What:

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan yesterday charged four individuals in a more than 30 count indictment for their role in defrauding Amazon’s textbook rental program. The charges include mail fraud, wire fraud, and making false statements. Amazon’s robust anti-fraud systems discovered this scheme and it supported the multi-year investigation.

You can see the related press release here: https://www.justice.gov/Usao-wdmi/pr/2021_1014_Talsma

Statement from Amazon:
Only through close collaboration with law enforcement is the prosecution of fraud like this possible. We are grateful to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Postal Inspector of Michigan in their thorough pursuit of this case. Fraud undermines the trust of our customers, and jeopardizes the value and selection that entrepreneurs, authors, and publishers provide to millions of customers through our stores. We will continue to pursue all available measures to protect our customers and hold bad actors accountable.

Additional Background
Case: 1:21-cr-00180-HYJ, United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan

Amazon has an extensive history of protecting its customers from fraud and abuse:

• https://press.aboutamazon.com/news-releases/news-release-details/amazon-counterfeit-crimes-unit-reaches-settlement-influencers
• https://press.aboutamazon.com/news-releases/news-release-details/amazon-announces-lawsuit-combat-fraudulent-affiliate-marketing
• https://press.aboutamazon.com/news-releases/news-release-details/ftc-obtains-permanent-ban-and-2m-judgment-work-home-scammer
• https://press.aboutamazon.com/news-releases/news-release-details/amazon-supports-investigation-and-prosecution-four-new-york

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211015005629/en/

Amazon.com, Inc.

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Source: Amazon.com, Inc.

FAQ

What charges were brought against individuals related to Amazon's textbook rental program?

Four individuals were indicted for over 30 counts of mail fraud, wire fraud, and making false statements.

What role did Amazon play in the investigation of the textbook rental fraud scheme?

Amazon's anti-fraud systems discovered the scheme and supported a multi-year investigation.

How does Amazon address fraudulent activities?

Amazon collaborates closely with law enforcement to prosecute fraud and protect its customers.

Which law enforcement agencies were involved in the Amazon fraud case?

The investigation involved the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan, the FBI, and the U.S. Postal Inspector.

How many counts of fraud were identified in the Amazon textbook rental scheme?

The indictment included more than 30 counts of fraud.