The ‘passive income’ promises on Amazon have led to death threats over a negative online review, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Online training courses, promising to help users make money on Amazon, have reportedly threatened individuals who wrote negative reviews about their services.
The FTC has filed a complaint against four individuals who owned these online training businesses, including FBA Stores, Online Auction Learning Center (OALC), and AWS. These firms offered classes and personal coaching, promising people they could earn thousands of dollars a day selling products on Amazon.
The FTC alleged the companies used high-pressure sales tactics and made false claims about potential earnings. They also charged individuals up to $35,000 for their services. Many complained that the companies had provided little to no help and had requested refunds, which were typically denied. Some of these individuals were then threatened with legal action if they posted negative reviews online.
The agency said that the companies and their owners used the money they made from their customers for personal expenses, including luxury vacations, jewelry, and sports cars. The FTC is seeking a permanent injunction to stop their operations and return money to defrauded customers.
Online scams of this nature are not uncommon, with the FTC frequently warning consumers about the risks of online income scams. The agency advises consumers to always thoroughly research any company offering these types of opportunities and to be skeptical of exaggerated claims about potential earnings.