FTC Takes Action Against Automators AI

The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) has successfully shut down a business opportunity scheme known as Automators AI, which misled individuals into investing over $22 million in online stores. The company, previously known as Empire and Onyx Distribution, promised high returns on investment by using artificial intelligence to ensure success. However, the reality was far from these claims. According to the FTC, the operators of Automators AI—Roman Cresto, John Cresto, and Andrew Chapman—preyed on consumers looking to improve their financial situations. They lured potential investors with extravagant promises of passive income and success, claiming that their “proven system” would allow anyone to easily manage profitable e-stores on platforms like Amazon and Walmart. Unfortunately, most clients found themselves losing significant sums, with many not even able to recoup their initial investments. In fact, Amazon and Walmart frequently suspended or terminated the stores managed by Automators due to repeated policy violations.