FTC Report: Many Consumers Believe “Up To” Claims Promise Maximum Results

The Federal Trade Commission today released an FTC-commissioned study indicating that when marketers use the phrase “up to” in claims about their products, many consumers are likely to believe that they will achieve the maximum “up to” results. The study describes what a test group of consumers thought about ads for replacement home windows that […]

FTC Closes Its Investigation Into Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s Proposed Acquisition of EMI Music Publishing

The Federal Trade Commission has closed its nonpublic investigation of Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s proposed acquisition of EMI Music Publishing, without taking any action. Accordingly, the deal may now proceed as proposed. The Commission vote to close the investigation was 5-0. The closing letters to the companies can be found on the FTC’s website and as […]

FTC Announces Pet Medications Workshop; Will Explore Competition and Consumer Protection Issues Related to the Pet Medications Industry

On Tuesday, October 2, 2012, the Federal Trade Commission will host a workshop to examine the ways pet medications are distributed to consumers, and how these practices affect consumer choice and price competition. It is estimated that 62 percent of American households own a pet, and that pet owners in the United States spend nearly […]

FTC Alert: Federal Government Not Offering “Free” Money to Pay Your Bills

The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, wants you to know that swindlers are enticing people with this sales pitch: There is currently money available NOW right here in your area, to help pay your bills. The pitch comes via ads, websites, phone calls, text messages, and visits from salespeople. The scammers charge […]

FTC Returns $2.9 Million to Consumer Victims in DVD Vending Scam

The Federal Trade Commission is mailing 454 refund checks totaling more than $2.9 million to consumers who were victimized by a scam that promoted video rental machines as a business opportunity. The FTC alleged in its case against American Entertainment Distributors, Inc., that the defendants – five companies and five individuals – deceived consumers into […]

FTC Offers Video Game Primer to Help Parents

If your kids play video games, the Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, wants you to know there are resources to help you learn about the games and put limits on what your kids can access. For example, depending upon whether kids play on a game console or a phone or tablet, parental […]

Funeral Home in Brooklyn, NY, Agrees to Pay $32,000 Penalty to Settle FTC Charges It Refused to Serve Consumers Who Wanted To Buy a Casket Elsewhere

The owners of a Brooklyn, New York, funeral home have settled a Federal Trade Commission civil penalty lawsuit alleging that they violated a key provision of the FTC’s Funeral Rule giving consumers the right to buy only the funeral goods and services they want or need. In the first enforcement case of its kind, the […]

FTC Files Complaint Against Wyndham Hotels For Failure to Protect Consumers’ Personal Information

The Federal Trade Commission filed suit against global hospitality company Wyndham Worldwide Corporation and three of its subsidiaries for alleged data security failures that led to three data breaches at Wyndham hotels in less than two years. The FTC alleges that these failures led to fraudulent charges on consumers’ accounts, millions of dollars in fraud […]

FTC Advises Consumers on What to Do if Their Identity is Stolen

If your identity is stolen, what will you do? Do you know your rights? Knowing what to do is important because an identity thief can hijack your tax refund, alter your medical records, prevent you from getting credit or a job, and even borrow money in your child’s name. The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s […]

FTC Issues Modified Final Order Settling Charges that Perrigo’s Acquisition of Paddock Laboratories Was Anticompetitive in Market for Generic Pharmaceuticals

Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has issued a modified final order settling charges that Perrigo Company’s $540 million acquisition of Paddock Laboratories, Inc., as proposed, was anticompetitive and would have reduced the number of manufacturers for four products used to treat conditions such as skin disorders, allergic reactions, and nausea. The […]