William E. Kovacic Assumes Position as Federal Trade Commission Chairman

Commissioner William E. Kovacic today assumes the role of Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission. On March 26, President George W. Bush announced his intention to designate Kovacic to serve as Chairman upon the departure of Deborah Platt Majoras. Kovacic has served as a Commissioner at the agency since January 2006, following his nomination by […]

Commission Issues Staff Report, Protecting Consumers in the Next Tech-ade.

Commission issues staff report: The Commission has issued a staff report highlighting the challenges of consumer protection in the face of emerging and evolving technologies in the next ten years. The report summarizes the proceedings of the FTC’s three-day public hearings, “Protecting Consumers in the Next Tech-ade,” and which will inform its consumer protection efforts […]

Agency Announces Settlement of Separate Actions Against Retailer TJX, and Data Brokers Reed Elsevier and Seisint for Failing to Provide Adequate Security for Consumers Data

In two unrelated Federal Trade Commission actions, discount retailer TJX and data brokers Reed Elsevier and Seisint have agreed to settle charges that each engaged in practices that, taken together, failed to provide reasonable and appropriate security for sensitive consumer information. The settlements will require that the companies implement comprehensive information security programs and obtain […]

Statement of Federal Trade Commission Chairman Deborah Platt Majoras

As previously announced, I will resign as Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, effective March 30. The President has announced his intention of designating FTC Commissioner William E. Kovacic as the next Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission. Bill will be a terrific Chairman. Having served in several capacities at the agency – most recently […]

FTC Authorizes Motion to Intervene and Object to Proposed Class Action Settlement in New Jersey State Court

Commission approval of motion to intervene and object to proposed class action settlement: The Commission has approved a motion to intervene in and object to a proposed class action settlement agreement currently being considered by the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division: Monmouth County. The FTC is also requesting leave to participate in the […]

FTC Asks Court to Halt Prepaid Calling Card Scam;Alleges Consumers Receive Fewer Calling Minutes Than Advertised and Pay Hidden Fees

The Federal Trade Commission has asked a U.S. district court judge to order a halt to the alleged illegal practices of CTA, a major distributor of prepaid calling cards across the country. In the last quarter of 2007 alone, CTA’s revenue from the sale of cards exceeded $28 million. The FTC charges that CTA misrepresents […]

Commission Issues Advisory Opinion on FDCPA and Debt Collectors; FTC Extends Comment Period for Mobile Town Hall

Issuance of Commission advisory opinion: The Commission has issued an advisory opinion stating that the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act does not prohibit a debt collector in the foreclosure context from communicating with consumers regarding possible settlement options that may assist consumers to avoid foreclosure. USFN, formerly known as the U.S. Foreclosure Network, the nation’s […]

FTC Issues 2008 Fair Debt Collection Practices Report to Congress

For Your Information March 21, 2008 Issuance of Commission report to Congress: The Commission has authorized the staff to release publicly the 30th Annual Report to Congress on the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). This report, which is available now on the FTC’s Web site, summarizes the Commission’s administration and enforcement of the FDCPA […]

FTC to Host Roundtable Discussion on Phishing Education

The Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection will host a half-day roundtable discussion on phishing education on Tuesday, April 1, 2008. Phishing is a form of online identity theft that uses deceptive spam to trick consumers into divulging sensitive or personal information, including credit card numbers and other financial data, either through email or […]

FTC Approves Federal Register Notice Seeking Comments on Revised Proposed Business Opportunity Rule

Commission approval of Federal Register notice: The Commission has approved the publication of a Federal Register notice seeking comments on a revised proposal for a new trade regulation rule governing business opportunities. Dating from 1978, the FTC historically has had a single rule covering two distinct types of offerings: franchises and business opportunity ventures. Many […]