FTC Obtains Permanent Ban and $2M Judgment for Work-From-Home Scammer Falsely Using Amazon Name

Rhea-AI Summary

On March 12, the U.S. District Court of Utah ruled against Randon Morris and four companies he controls for a fraudulent telemarketing scheme misusing Amazon Associates' name. The defendants exploited pandemic fears to promote fake work-from-home opportunities, misleading potential customers. They are barred from selling similar services and must pay over $2 million in settlements. Amazon commended the Federal Trade Commission for its efforts to combat these scams, reiterating its commitment to customer protection against fraud.

Positive

• Amazon's proactive measures led to legal action against fraudulent schemes tied to its brand.
• Amazon's commitment to customer protection is reinforced through its collaboration with law enforcement.

Negative

• None.

Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN):

What:

On Friday, March 12, the U.S. District Court of Utah entered the Federal Trade Commission’s filed order against Randon Morris and four companies he controls for operating a telemarketing scheme that fraudulently used Amazon Associates name. The defendants leveraged pandemic fears to offer fake work-from-home opportunities, falsely representing Amazon’s Associates Program. The defendants are prevented from ever selling similar services in the future and will be responsible for a more than $2 million settlement.

You can read the FTC’s press release on the case here.

Statement from Amazon:

Amazon works hard to delight our customers, and we appreciate the Federal Trade Commission’s thorough pursuit of these criminals who deceptively used our name to dupe customers. We will continue to work with the Federal Trade Commission and other law enforcement organizations to stop these scams and protect customers.

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

• https://press.aboutamazon.com/news-releases/news-release-details/rhode-island-man-sentenced-30-months-multiple-fraud-charges
• https://press.aboutamazon.com/news-releases/news-release-details/amazon-stops-multiple-fraudulent-affiliate-marketing-schemes
• https://press.aboutamazon.com/news-releases/news-release-details/amazon-supports-investigation-and-prosecution-four-new-york
• https://press.aboutamazon.com/news-releases/news-release-details/amazon-establishes-counterfeit-crimes-unit-bring-counterfeiters

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210318006017/en/

FAQ

What was the ruling against Randon Morris and his companies related to AMZN?

On March 12, the U.S. District Court of Utah ruled against Randon Morris and four companies for a fraudulent telemarketing scheme using the Amazon Associates name.

How much is the settlement involving Randon Morris's telemarketing scheme against AMZN?

The defendants are required to pay over $2 million in settlements due to their fraudulent activities.

What actions is Amazon taking against fraudsters using its name?

Amazon collaborates with the Federal Trade Commission to combat scams and protect customers from fraud.

What type of scheme did Randon Morris engage in involving AMZN?

Randon Morris operated a telemarketing scheme that falsely offered work-from-home opportunities under the guise of Amazon's Associates Program.