Automators AI Review (2026): How 'AI-Powered' Amazon Stores Became an FTC Case
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Automators AI in One Minute
Automators AI sold consumers "passive" investments in online stores on Amazon and Walmart, claiming that artificial intelligence would make them profitable. It also sold coaching on building stores yourself. It previously operated as Empire Ecommerce and Onyx Distribution.
In August 2023, a federal court temporarily shut it down at the request of the Federal Trade Commission, which said consumers invested about $22 million based on unfounded income and profit claims. Here's what the FTC alleged.
| Business | Automators AI (also Empire Ecommerce, Onyx Distribution) |
|---|---|
| Defendants | Roman Cresto, John Cresto, Andrew Chapman |
| Sold | AI-powered Amazon and Walmart stores and coaching |
| Consumer investment | About $22 million (FTC) |
| Court order | Temporary restraining order, August 11, 2023 |
| Court | U.S. District Court, Southern District of California |
What the FTC Alleged
According to the FTC's press release, most clients didn't make the promised earnings or even recover their investment, and Amazon and Walmart routinely suspended or terminated the stores for repeated policy violations. The FTC said the defendants made false or unsupported claims about:
- Their own track record, including claims of being a "leading 8-figure Amazon entrepreneur."
- Earnings, such as "$4k-$6k consistently monthly net profit" and "100% ROI in 8 months."
- Affiliate endorsements that cited sales the defendants knew were false.
- Using "AI machine learning" to maximize revenue.
- Venture capital backing that didn't exist.
The FTC also said unhappy clients were offered new storefronts instead of refunds and pressured to sign non-disparagement agreements. The complaint charged violations of the FTC Act, the Business Opportunity Rule and the Consumer Review Fairness Act.
Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Press release | August 22, 2023 |
| Temporary restraining order | August 11, 2023 |
| Court | U.S. District Court, Southern District of California |
| Consumer investment | About $22 million |
| Commission vote | 3-0 |
The FTC files a complaint when it has reason to believe the law is being violated; the case is decided by the court.
The Lessons for Any "Automation" Offer
- "AI" is not a guarantee: buzzwords don't make a store profitable.
- Stores in your name carry your risk: suspensions hit you, not the seller.
- Earnings claims need proof: the Business Opportunity Rule requires it.
- Non-disparagement pressure is a red flag: it hides complaints from future buyers.
If You Invested
- Keep contracts and payment records.
- Watch the FTC's case updates for any refund program.
- Report your experience at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Is Automators AI a Scam?
The FTC alleged it was a deceptive business opportunity scheme, and a court temporarily shut it down. Avoid similar AI-powered store investments.
Pros and Cons
What Stands Out
- None
What to Weigh Up
- Temporarily shut down at the FTC's request
- About $22M invested by consumers (FTC)
- Stores routinely suspended (FTC)
- Alleged false claims about AI and backing
Who It Suited
No one. It's a cautionary example.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Was Automators AI?
A business that sold AI-powered Amazon and Walmart stores to investors.
Who Ran Automators AI?
Roman Cresto, John Cresto and Andrew Chapman, according to the FTC.
What Did the FTC Do?
It sued, and a court temporarily shut the business down in August 2023.
Is Automators AI the Same as Empire Ecommerce?
Yes, the FTC says it previously used the names Empire and Onyx Distribution.
Our Verdict on Automators AI
Automators AI shows how "AI" marketing can dress up a risky store-investment scheme. Steer clear of anything similar.
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