In September 2024, Marriott International scored a monumental legal victory in its fight against fraudulent robocalls, securing $8 million in damages from two Mexico-based defendants, Cancun Ink and Deep Blue Desarrollos. These telemarketing companies were responsible for more than 66 million robocalls between 2018 and 2022, many of which misused Marriott’s name to promote vacation and timeshare deals. But this victory wasn’t achieved alone. At the heart of the case was YouMail, a cutting-edge robocall prevention and tracking service that helped Marriott build its case against these telemarketers.
Discover in this article:
- The Robocall Epidemic: How It Hurt Marriott’s Brand
- How YouMail’s Technology Played a Crucial Role
- The Legal Outcome and What It Means for Consumers
- Why YouMail’s Robocall Protection Matters
The Robocall Epidemic: How It Hurt Marriott’s Brand
Robocalls have been a growing problem in the United States, with millions of Americans receiving fraudulent calls daily. Marriott was among the brands most exploited by these scammers, particularly during 2020 when fraudulent robocalls claiming to be from Marriott surged to seven million per month. These calls not only tarnished Marriott’s reputation but also caused frustration and confusion among their customers, many of whom were duped into sharing personal information with scammers.
To protect their brand and customers, Marriott filed a “John Doe” lawsuit in 2021. The lawsuit later named 10 defendants, including both domestic and foreign entities. The legal battle, which concluded in September 2024, was about more than just trademark infringement—it was about protecting consumers from harassment and deceptive practices.
How YouMail’s Technology Played a Crucial Role
YouMail was instrumental in Marriott’s legal strategy. Known for its advanced robocall detection technology, YouMail partnered with Marriott to identify the source of these illegal calls. By tracking phone numbers and analyzing call patterns, YouMail was able to provide crucial evidence that demonstrated the scale of the fraudulent activity. This allowed Marriott to issue subpoenas, gather key data, and revise its lawsuit to specifically name the offenders.
As Alex Quilici, CEO of YouMail, noted, “We were able to help identify certain entities originating fraudulent robocalls and provide evidence of the scale and effect of these campaigns. Our collaboration with Marriott was key to addressing a frustrating issue for both the company and consumers.” The company’s collaboration with the Industry Traceback Group (ITG), which is recognized by the FCC for its expertise in tracking illegal robocalls, added an additional layer of credibility to Marriott’s case.
This partnership allowed Marriott to build a solid case that led to substantial legal victories, including the recent $8 million judgment and a broad injunction preventing further robocall activities from the defendants.
The Legal Outcome and What It Means for Consumers
Marriott’s win is not just a victory for the company, but also for consumers across the U.S. The court’s decision sends a strong message to telemarketers who exploit well-known brands for their gain. Along with financial damages, the court also issued a broad injunction against the defendants and their associates, effectively halting their operations.
This is a significant milestone in the fight against robocalls, which continue to plague millions of Americans. According to the YouMail Robocall Index, U.S. consumers received nearly 4.5 billion robocalls in September 2024 alone. While timeshare and vacation scams, like the ones exploiting Marriott’s name, are still prevalent, this legal win sets a precedent that may deter future bad actors from engaging in similar practices.
Why YouMail’s Robocall Protection Matters
Marriott’s case highlights the importance of using advanced technology to combat robocalls. Without YouMail’s sophisticated tracking and blocking capabilities, it would have been far more difficult to trace the origins of these fraudulent calls. For average consumers, YouMail offers similar protection through its app, which helps users filter out spam calls, block known robocall numbers, and safeguard their personal information.
In an age where robocalls are evolving into robotexts and other forms of digital harassment, having a tool like YouMail is crucial for individuals and businesses alike. Consumers can take proactive steps to protect themselves by downloading apps like YouMail, which not only blocks unwanted calls but also helps report and trace scam numbers.
Download YouMail and instantly stop spam calls, texts, and voicemail.
Conclusion: A Victory for Both Marriott and YouMail
Marriott’s victory against telemarketers marks a turning point in the ongoing battle against robocalls, and YouMail played a key role in making that happen. With their advanced technology and partnership with the Industry Traceback Group, YouMail helped bring fraudulent robocallers to justice, protecting both Marriott’s reputation and its customers.
This case underscores the growing importance of robust robocall protection services like YouMail, not only for large businesses but for everyday consumers. As robocalls continue to evolve, consumers need tools that are capable of adapting to new scams, and YouMail’s services provide a vital line of defense.
For those looking to protect themselves from robocalls and spam texts, YouMail offers a comprehensive solution. Visit YouMail Protective Services to learn more about how their technology can shield you from the dangers of robocalls and keep your personal information secure.
More information on the Marriott Robocall Case
Hotel Dive, Marriott Beats Robocallers in Court, September 2024.
Breaking Travel News, Marriott International Secures Legal Victory Against Fraudulent Robocall Operatorsott International Secures Legal Victory Against Fraudulent Robocall Operators, October 2024.
The YouMail Blog, How Spam Calls and Texts Are Evolving: Insights from September’s Robocall Data, September 2024.
