An international Internet payday lending operation will pay $1 million to settle Federal Trade Commission and State of Nevada charges that it failed to disclose key loan terms and used unlawful debt collection tactics. The defendants operated from the United Kingdom and targeted consumers in the United States, who were misled into believing that the […]
Monthly Archives: September 2009
Commission Seeks Public Comments on Proposed Follow-Up Study on Food Marketing to Youth
The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comments on a proposal to collect information from food and beverage companies and quick-service restaurants on promotional activities, nutrition information, and expenditures for products marketed to children and adolescents. The proposed study follows one the Commission conducted in 2006 on the same topic. The report on the 2006 […]
FTC Announces New Enforcement Actions In Continuing Crackdown On Mortgage Relief Services Scams
The Federal Trade Commission today announced two new law enforcement actions in a continuing crackdown on mortgage foreclosure rescue and loan modification scams, bringing to 22 the number of these cases the Commission has filed since the housing crisis began. The FTC also announced developments in similar pending mortgage-related actions. “Today’s challenging economy presents an […]
FTC to Host Public Roundtables to Address Evolving Consumer Privacy Issues
The Federal Trade Commission will host a series of day-long public roundtable discussions to explore the privacy challenges posed by the vast array of 21st century technology and business practices that collect and use consumer data. Such practices include social networking, cloud computing, online behavioral advertising, mobile marketing, and the collection and use of information […]
Beware of California Wildfire Charity Scams, FTC Warns
For Your Information September 11, 2009 The Federal Trade Commission warns consumers to use caution when donating to charities that claim to help victims of the devastating California wildfires. While many legitimate groups help victims, scam artists may take advantage of the disaster by creating bogus fundraising operations. The FTC’s Charity Checklist consumer alert offers […]
FTC Launches 2009 Campaign Targeting Teen Drinking
The Federal Trade Commission today launched the 2009 “We Don’t Serve Teens” public education campaign to help prevent teenagers from getting easy access to alcohol, and to promote compliance with the legal drinking age of 21. In its annual effort to keep alcohol out of the hands of teens, the FTC and a coalition of […]
FTC Testifies on Efforts to Stop Economic Stimulus Fraud
The Federal Trade Commission today told the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs that the agency is working to protect consumers from fraudulent schemes claiming to dispense guaranteed grants from the economic stimulus program, and from other frauds exploiting consumers who are struggling due to the economic downturn. FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz […]
Second FTC Roundtable to Discuss Debt Collection Arbitration and Litigation; Call for Public Comments
The Federal Trade Commission will host a two-day public event on consumer protection issues in litigation and arbitration proceedings to collect on consumer debt. This will be the second in a series of three FTC roundtable discussions on these topics. WHAT: “Protecting Consumers in Debt Collection Litigation and Arbitration: A Roundtable Discussion” WHEN: September 29 […]
FTC Approves Final Consent Order Requiring Sears to Disclose the Installation of Tracking Software Placed on Consumers Computers; FTC Approves Final Consent Order in Matter Concerning Enhanced Vision Systems, Inc.
The Federal Trade Commission has approved a final consent order in the matter of Sears Holdings Management Corporation, following a public comment period, and authorized the staff to provide responses to the commenters of record. According to the FTC’s administrative complaint, Sears represented to consumers that software it was placing on their computers would track […]
CVS to Pay Nearly $2.8 Million in Consumer Refunds to Settle FTC Charges of Unsubstantiated Advertising of AirShield ‘Immune Boosting’ Supplement
Just in time for back-to-school and cold season, national retailer CVS Pharmacy, Inc. will stop making misleading claims that its “AirShield” dietary supplements can prevent colds, fight germs, and boost immune systems. CVS also will pay nearly $2.8 million to settle Federal Trade Commission charges. This case is similar to cases that the FTC has […]