Victims in toner, printer scam to receive compensation
Jul 12, 2019, 6:03 PM | Updated: 6:34 pm
PHOENIX — Consumers affected by a toner pirate scam will begin to receive restitution benefits.
The Attorney General’s Office will begin to distribute monetary rewards to businesses who paid James Deremiah and his companies, INT Sourcing LLC and Premiere Office Supplies, for false toner and printer invoices.
“If someone takes your money under false pretenses, consumers are entitled to restitution,” Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich said in a press release Thursday.
The faulty business practices occurred from December 21, 2012 to July 25, 2017 and targeted businesses across the country including churches and schools.
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According to the court documents, Deremiah and his companies would first initiate contact with the consumers and introduce themselves as their copier or printer service or as a representative at a major supply company.
After obtaining personal information about the client, such as their equipment serial number, they would sent the consumer an invoice.
After receiving payment, they would send the toner cartridges, which were available through other companies, often at one-tenth of the price. They would then send another invoice for $1,500.
The settlement will provide restitution for all of the businesses that were affected in the scam. Half of the money will be paid now and the other half will be paid next year when Deremiah makes his court ordered payments.
Deremiah will also have to pay at least $140,000 in civil penalties.
