FTC Approves Final Consent Order in Matter of DirectRevenue LLC, et al.; FTC Approves Final Consent Order in Matter of Sony BMG Music Entertainment

Commission approval of final consent orders: Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved a final consent order in the matter concerning DirectRevenue, LLC, et al. The Commission vote approving the final consent order and authorizing the staff to issue letters to the commenters of record was 4-1, with Commissioner Jon Leibowitz voting no […]

Economics Director Michael Salinger to Leave FTC

Federal Trade Commission Chairman Deborah Platt Majoras today announced that Michael A. Salinger, director of the Bureau of Economics for the past two years, will leave the FTC to return to the Boston University School of Management, where he is a Professor of Economics. The Chairman also announced that Michael R. Baye, the Bert Elwert […]

FTC Issues Administrative Complaint Seeking to Block Whole Foods Markets Acquisition of Wild Oats Markets

The Federal Trade Commission has issued an administrative complaint challenging Whole Foods Market Inc.’s approximately $670 million acquisition of Wild Oats Markets Inc. The administrative complaint preserves the Commission’s legal option to pursue an administrative remedy following the federal district court proceeding. According to the complaint, the transaction would violate federal antitrust laws by eliminating […]

FTC Issues Staff Report on Broadband Connectivity Competition Policy

The Federal Trade Commission’s Internet Access Task Force today issued a report, “Broadband Connectivity Competition Policy,” which summarizes the Task Force’s findings in the area of broadband Internet connectivity and, in particular, so-called network neutrality regulation. Based on these findings, and FTC staff’s experience with the operation of myriad markets throughout the economy, the report […]

Avoiding Mortgage Payment Shock: FTC Offers New Publication for Homeowners

A new publication from the FTC has information that could help consumers save their homes and recognize and avoid foreclosure scams. The publication, “Mortgage Payments Sending You Reeling? Here’s What To Do,” explains different kinds of mortgages, what to do if you’re behind in your payments, how to avoid default and foreclosure, and how to […]

FTC Testifies on Protecting the Privacy of Social Security Numbers from Identity Theft

The Federal Trade Commission today told the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittee on Social Security that to prevent thieves from obtaining consumers’ personal information, including Social Security numbers (SSNs), and using it to steal identities, government and businesses should collect only information that is necessary to meet clear legal or business needs, […]

FTC Stops Alleged Extortion Scheme Aimed At Hispanics Nationwide

At the request of the Federal Trade Commission, a federal court has stopped an operation that allegedly victimized Spanish-speaking consumers nationwide by posing as debt collectors seeking payments consumers did not owe. “Lying to consumers about debts they don’t owe and harassing and threatening them when they don’t pay are illegal business practices, period,” said […]

South Carolina Board of Dentistry Settles Charges That it Restrained Competition in the Provision of Preventive Care by Dental Hygienists

The Federal Trade Commission today announced a consent order settling charges brought in September 2003 that the South Carolina State Board of Dentistry unlawfully restrained competition in violation of Section 5 of the FTC Act by adopting a rule that required a dentist to examine every child before a dental hygienist could provide preventive care […]

Fraudsters Claim a Red Cross Connection in New Phishing Scam

The Federal Trade Commission is warning consumers about a scam targeting families of military members. A caller, claiming to work for the Red Cross, notifies an individual that their family member has been injured while on duty. To get immediate aid to the injured service member, the caller says, paperwork must be completed, and personal […]

FTC Targets Additional Group of ChoicePoint Identity Theft Victims Who May Qualify for Redress

The Federal Trade Commission has mailed reimbursement claim forms to more than 2,400 consumers who may have been victims of identity theft due to alleged security lapses at data broker ChoicePoint, Inc. In December 2006, the Commission mailed claim forms to 1,400 consumers who were identified with the assistance of law enforcement, with instructions on […]