In a landmark move, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that they are issuing $2.8 million in refunds to consumers who were deceived by DK Automation and its owners, Kevin David Hulse and David Shawn Arnett. These individuals used false claims of significant returns to lure consumers into various money-making schemes related to Amazon and Walmart business packages, business coaching, and cryptocurrency investments.
According to a complaint filed by the FTC in November 2022, DK Automation and its owners misled consumers by promising them the ability to “generate passive income on autopilot.” However, very few consumers actually made money from these schemes. The company marketed their programs under different names such as AMZDFY, Amazon Done For You, and Amazon Done With You. They also promoted a cryptocurrency trading bot as a way to generate profits even while sleeping, all supported by fake consumer reviews boasting huge profits.
As part of a settlement, DK Automation and its owners agreed to relinquish the funds to be used for refunding consumers who were affected by their deceptive practices. They were also required to cease their dishonest earnings pitches. The FTC will be distributing payments to 890 consumers via PayPal, and recipients are encouraged to redeem their payments within 30 days. If consumers have any inquiries regarding their payment, they can contact the refund administrator, Rust Consulting, Inc., or visit the FTC website for more information.
The FTC emphasizes that they never ask individuals to provide money or account information in order to receive a refund. The Commission’s interactive dashboards for refund data offer a state-by-state breakdown of refunds issued in FTC cases. In 2023 alone, the FTC took action resulting in $324 million in refunds being distributed to consumers nationwide.
DK Automation’s fraudulent activities highlight how some companies will go great lengths just to make quick profits at the expense of others’ trust and wellbeing. Consumers should always be wary of unrealistic promises made by businesses or individuals claiming they have secret formulas for generating wealth overnight.
In conclusion, this settlement serves as a reminder that scams do exist and it is important for consumers
