The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comment on a proposed safe harbor program that Aristotle International, Inc. has submitted for Commission approval under the agency’s Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule. The Rule includes a “safe harbor” provision designed to encourage increased industry self-regulation in this area. Under this provision, industry groups and others may […]
Monthly Archives: June 2011
FTC Stops Bogus Mortgage Loan Modification Business
Under a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission, a federal court banned three men and their company from the mortgage modification business and ordered them to pay nearly $19 million for consumer refunds. The defendants allegedly deceived distressed homeowners with phony claims that they would negotiate with lenders to modify their mortgages and make them […]
FTC Approves Final Order Settling Charges that Company Deceptively Tracked Consumers Online Activities
Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission finalized the order settling charges that online advertising company Chitika, Inc. tracked consumers’ online activities even after they chose to opt out of online tracking on the company’s website. The FTC alleged that, unbeknownst to consumers, the “opt out” lasted for only 10 days. The final […]
FTC Offers Tips to Help Consumers Avoid Cell Phone Radiation Scams
Amid concerns about possible health risks associated with cell phones, the Federal Trade Commission advises consumers to avoid products that supposedly “shield” users from cell phone emissions. According to the FTC, the nation’s consumer protection agency, there is no scientific proof that so-called shields significantly reduce exposure from cell phone emissions. In fact, products that […]
Court Bans Defendants from Selling Work-at-Home and Grant Scams, and Orders Them to Pay $10.4 Million
A federal judge has ruled in favor of the Federal Trade Commission and ordered Real Wealth, Inc. and its owner, Lance Murkin, to pay $10.4 million, the full amount of harm caused to thousands of consumers nationwide who were victimized by the Defendants’ work-at-home and grant scams. The Court also banned Real Wealth and Murkin […]
FTC Approves Final Orders Settling Charges that Companies Failed to Protect Consumers Personal Information
Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission finalized the orders in two cases settling charges that Ceridian Corporation and Lookout Services, Inc. claimed they would take reasonable measures to secure the consumer data they maintained, but failed to do so. The final orders require the companies to implement a comprehensive information security program […]
FTC Denies Dow Chemical’s Application to Modify its 2009 Consent Order Requiring Sale of Chemicals Facility in California
Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has denied an application by The Dow Chemical Company to modify the terms of a settlement it reached with the agency in 2009. The FTC’s consent order resolved the agency’s concerns about how Dow’s acquisition of Rohm and Haas Company would affect competition in the markets […]
FTC Testifies on Data Security
The Federal Trade Commission told Congress today that to minimize the risk of identity theft or other harm, companies should employ reasonable safeguards to protect consumer information, collect only information for which they have a legitimate business need, and retain data only as long as necessary to fulfill the business purposes for which it was […]
FTC Offers Consumer Protection Tips for Father’s Day
Tips for Consumers June 15, 2011 Want to let Dad know you really care this Father’s Day? Why not show him what a smart, responsible adult you’ve become. Start by sharing the financial savvy you picked up at ftc.gov/moneyMatters, where you learned to protect yourself from different financial scams. Then show him you know all […]
FTC Materials Will Help Shoppers Understand New Light Bulb Labels Coming in 2012
The Federal Trade Commission is making two new resources available to consumers to help them shop for light bulbs in a market with increasingly more efficient options, including compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and new incandescent halogen bulbs. Beginning in 2012, consumers will see new packaging and labeling on most household bulbs […]