What to Do If You've Been Scammed by an Amazon FBA Automation Company

Clare martinez
Feb 4
2 min read

Introduction

Amazon FBA automation scams have become increasingly common, with victims losing thousands of dollars to fraudulent companies promising passive income. If you've fallen prey to one of these scams, such as Smart FBA, this guide will walk you through the necessary steps to report fraud, recover your money, and protect yourself in the future.

Step 1: Recognizing the Scam

Common Red Flags

Unrealistic profit claims
Lack of transparency
High upfront costs
Unverified testimonials

Signs You've Been Scammed

Delayed or missing inventory
No clear access to your seller account
Unauthorized transactions
Difficulty contacting the company
Discrepancies in financial records
Inventory disappearing without explanation
Product recall programs failing to pay clients the full amount due

Step 2: Immediate Actions to Take

Stop Payments: If you've made payments via credit card or bank transfer, contact your bank immediately to dispute charges.
Secure Your Accounts: Change passwords for Amazon, banking, and any linked financial accounts.
Document Everything: Save emails, contracts, receipts, and messages as evidence for legal action.

Step 3: Reporting the Scam

Take action by reporting the fraud to the appropriate agencies:

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – Report fraud cases.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) – If the company misrepresented investment opportunities.
Better Business Bureau (BBB) – File a complaint to warn others.
State Attorney General’s Office – Each state has a consumer protection division.
FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) – Report internet or wire fraud.

Step 4: Exploring Legal Options

Initiate a Chargeback: If paid via credit card, request a chargeback citing fraud.
Small Claims Court: If the amount lost is within the small claims limit, you may take legal action without an attorney.
Class-Action Lawsuits: Look for existing lawsuits against the company or consult a lawyer about starting one.

Step 5: Contacting the Media

News agencies that have covered FBA scams include:

How to Contact the Media

Send a concise email outlining:

Your experience with the scam
How much you lost
How many victims may be affected
Relevant documents as proof

Step 6: Preventing Future Scams

Research Companies Thoroughly: Verify credentials, read multiple reviews, and check for past complaints.
Avoid Upfront Payments: Reputable services often take a percentage of sales rather than large initial fees.
Seek Professional Advice: Consult e-commerce experts before investing in automation services.

Resources & Helpful Links

By following these steps, you can take action against fraudulent companies and help prevent others from falling victim to similar scams.

If you found this guide helpful, share it with others to spread awareness!