Valley Firms Hit with $900K Fine for ‘Fake’ Delivery Slips Left on Doorsteps

PHOENIX — A significant ruling was issued against several companies in the Valley, mandating them to pay $902,000 in civil penalties due to deceptive practices targeting Arizona homeowners. The Arizona Attorney General’s Office announced the judgment on Wednesday, following years of legal proceedings against Matthew Willes and his affiliated businesses.

Since 2017, the companies allegedly disseminated over 330,000 misleading delivery slips labeled “Sorry We Missed You.” These slips misled homeowners into believing they had missed a genuine delivery and prompted them to call a provided phone number.

Upon calling, unsuspecting residents were directed to consent to unsolicited telemarketing communications through a link sent via text message. The Attorney General’s office disclosed that the defendants subsequently sold the personal information gathered from these individuals to third-party companies.

“Mr. Willes and his companies went to great lengths to manipulate unsuspecting consumers into providing personal information and agreeing to receive telemarketing solicitations,” stated Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes.

Further complicating matters, the companies created websites that mimicked a legitimate delivery service to enhance their deceptive operations. Court records reveal that over 60,000 individuals responded to the misleading door tags.

The state initially initiated a consumer fraud lawsuit against these businesses in March 2020 under former Attorney General Mark Brnovich’s administration. Earlier this summer, a Maricopa County judge ruled against the defendants, imposing a judgment that prevents the companies from continuing these unlawful practices.