A judge has granted the Federal Trade Commission’s request to file a preliminary injunction against two individuals and the companies that they operated which allegedly scammed $19 million from thousands of small carriers and owner-operators by implying that they were employed by or affiliated with government agencies including the Department of Transportation.
James P. Lamb and Uliana Bogash operated their alleged scam using companies called DOTAuthority.com Inc., and DOTFilings.com Inc., Excelsior Enterprises International, and JPL Enterprises International. According to the FTC, they would email, text, and send robocalls to carriers warning about fake penalties and fines if they didn’t use their registration services.
Lamb and Bogash’s companies would do standard filing for carriers, but would charge extra service fees, even for filings which can be done for free online at official government websites. While it’s not illegal to charge extra service fees, the FTC complaint claims that the companies “deceptively disclosed the total amount charged” without telling users that services fees of up to $550 or more were included in the cost. Additionally, the FTC also alleges that customers were automatically enrolled in annual renewal programs without their knowledge or consent.
Lamb meanwhile vehemently denies that his companies are a ‘scam’ and has accused the FTC of attempting to “demonize us in the press before trial.”
“For over a decade, we have worked diligently to serve and educate the industry and stand up for the rights of the smaller players in this industry,” said Lamb according to American Trucker. “Now the FTC is calling our reputable service a ‘scam’ when, in reality, we have always provided a valuable service to carriers and owner operators that helps keep them in compliance and out of trouble.”
Source: truckinginfo, americantrucker, imperialvalleynews, ftc
Mark says
For all of his posturing about being the good guy, he is nothing but a cheap scammer. So sad and pathetic. Scamming the people that he is supposed to be “helping”.
Archie W Silva says
Yeah right!!!
BASEBALL bat says
The things a trucking company will do to keep from paying a bill…
T B says
There are other companies out there that do the same type of stuff. They send you a warning letter that you must have the OHSA posters and Federal posters along with state about workers rights and minimum wage and that they will send you the kit with all of the for $249 All you need to do is order them off the fed and state website for FREE!!! But the letters seem real to a person who is new in business or just does not pay attention