Get-Rich-Quick Sales Schemes Targeted by FTC Scams & Fraud

FTC Goes After Get-Rich-Quick Sales Scheme

A company that made false sales claims will compensate consumers

Getty Images Many of the ploys AWS promoted to clients selling merchandise included posting fake product reviews, which is against Amazon policies. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) wants to put a stop to a get-rich-quick offer that allegedly lures would-be interested in hawking their items on Amazon.com. Operating under various names, including Amazon Wealth Systems (AWS), FBA Stores, Insider Inline Secrets and Online Auction Learning Center, the service promotes itself by offering sellers hope of fast income. “Get started selling on Amazon and make $5,000 — $10,000 in the next 30 days… even if you’ve never sold anything online before,” AWS promises. At the AWS website, the organization lists a number of services it said it could provide to Amazon-based sellers for a $79.99 monthly fee, including “position tracking, competitor sales, index checks,” and several email-related services. But AWS and its affiliates, according to the FTC, have nothing to do with , and those who signed up “did not make anywhere close to the advertised income or any income at all,” the FTC claims. Many of the ploys AWS promoted in order for its clients to sell merchandise, like posting fake product reviews, are also expressly against Amazon policies, and, as a result, some clients had their Amazon selling accounts suspended. A federal court in Nevada has issued a temporary restraining order against the defendants that bars them from making deceptive claims and freezes assets pending further action, which includes an FTC bid to obtain money for unsuspecting AWS clients. The court has also appointed a temporary receiver to oversee the income and property of the defendant company.

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