News Summary

Nick and Nika Ashtar-Zadeh from Dracut pleaded guilty to a wire fraud scheme involving cosmetics sales that defrauded customers and a Texas company of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Their operations included deceptive trial offers and unauthorized charges, highlighting the dangers of e-commerce fraud. Nick has received a six-month prison sentence while Nika awaits sentencing in 2025.

Dracut Brothers Caught in a $200 Cosmetics Scheme

In a story that’s both shocking and eye-opening, two brothers from Dracut, Massachusetts, have found themselves in hot water for their role in a *sneaky* wire fraud scheme that raked in hundreds of thousands of dollars. Nick and Nika Ashtar-Zadeh have each pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, with their misdeeds occurring between 2019 and 2021. Their activities highlight a troubling trend in the world of online shopping.

How They Operated

So, what exactly were these brothers up to? Well, they ran stores on popular online platforms like Amazon and eBay, where they sold various products—including cosmetics sourced from a Texas-based company. Instead of playing by the rules, they used a *deceptive* approach that would raise eyebrows for anyone who considers themselves an honest seller.

The brothers listed the company’s products for a one-time payment that was usually equal to or even lower than the official list prices that the cosmetics company had set. At first glance, this deal might seem appealing to buyers, but it was anything but innocent. Without letting customers in on their little secret, the Ashtar-Zadehs would enroll these unsuspecting buyers in the company’s 30-day trial program.

The Trickery Unfolds

Here’s how the scam worked: after customers made their initial payment, *products were shipped* to them under a trial agreement. The brothers only had to pay an initial fee of $19.95 to the cosmetics company for each order. The real trick? Nick and Nika pocketed the *difference* between what customers paid and that initial $19.95 fee. It created a win-win scenario for the brothers but a nightmare for the cosmetics company and customers alike.

If customers decided to keep the products past the 30-day trial, they were supposed to be charged additional monthly installments that would total the product price. But here’s the kicker—many of these charges were declined when the company attempted to collect payments, leading to serious financial ramifications. The cosmetics company ended up losing *hundreds of thousands of dollars* due to the brothers’ fraudulent activities.

Consequences and Sentencing

As a result of their actions, Nick Ashtar-Zadeh was sentenced to six months in prison, with an additional two years of supervised release following that. He has also been ordered to pay restitution of $181,806 to the affected cosmetics company, plus he has to forfeit another $111,156. Talk about a serious price to pay for a scheme that started as a quick way to make a few bucks!

Nika Ashtar-Zadeh hasn’t been sentenced yet, but his day in court is set for May 21, 2025, leaving many wondering what fate awaits him. The case has been closely monitored by legal authorities, with the prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Holcomb. U.S. District Court Judge Julia E. Kobick overseen Nick’s sentencing, ensuring that justice was served.

Broader Issues at Play

This case is more than just about two brothers trying to make a quick buck. It shines a light on the larger issue of *e-commerce fraud* that continues to plague online marketplaces. As more and more people turn to the internet for their shopping needs, cases like this reveal just how vulnerable we can be as consumers. The incident has sparked important conversations about maintaining trust and integrity in online shopping environments.

As we continue to navigate an increasingly digital world, it becomes vital for consumers to stay informed and vigilant about protecting themselves from scams. Whether you’re buying cosmetics or anything else online, keeping an eye out for fraudulent activities could save you a heap of trouble down the line. Let’s all keep our eyes peeled and our wallets safe!