The Arizona Attorney General’s Office has announced the distribution of the first installment of over $200,000 to victims of an alleged “toner pirate” scam run by James R. Deremiah and his businesses INT Sourcing LLC and Premiere Office Supplies LLC.
According to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, the distribution comes as a result of a settlement reached in a lawsuit against Deremiah and his businesses. In that lawsuit, the Office alleged that Deremiah through his businesses sent fake toner cartridge invoices to churches, schools, and businesses in order to trick victims into paying the bogus invoice as a routine business matter. Those involved in copier and printer scams such as the one alleged are known as “toner pirates.”
The settlement includes full restitution for every business that sent money in response to the invoices. Half of the restitution – over $200,000 – will be sent this month, and the other half will be distributed next year when Deremiah makes his court-ordered payments. Deremiah must also pay at least $140,000 in civil penalties.