FTC Approves Modified Final Order Settling Charges against Marketer of Four Loko Malt Beverage

Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has finalized a modified Order settling charges against Phusion Projects, LLC, and its principals for falsely claiming that a 23.5-ounce can of Four Loko contains the alcohol equivalent of one or two regular 12-ounce beers, and that a consumer could drink one entire can safely on […]

FTC Extends Deadline for Comments on its Review of Fred Meyer Guides

The Federal Trade Commission has reopened and extended the deadline for the public to submit comments to aid in its review of the guidance it gives manufacturers and wholesalers as to how they can provide advertising allowances and other promotional payments and services to retailers without running afoul of the Robinson-Patman Act.  At the request […]

In FTC Study, Five Percent of Consumers Had Errors on Their Credit Reports That Could Result in Less Favorable Terms for Loans

A Federal Trade Commission study of the U.S. credit reporting industry found that five percent of consumers had errors on one of their three major credit reports that could lead to them paying more for products such as auto loans and insurance. Overall, the congressionally mandated study on credit report accuracy found that one in […]

FTC Extends Deadline for Comments on Proposed Modifications to Used Car Rule

In response to requests from stakeholders, the Federal Trade Commission has extended the deadline for the public to submit comments on potential revisions to the Used Car Buyers Guide required by the agency’s Used Car Rule.  The deadline to submit comments will be extended from February 11, 2013, until March 13, 2013. In December 2012, […]

FTC Permanently Stops Fake News Website Operator that Allegedly Deceived Consumers about Acai Berry Weight-Loss Products

The marketers behind an online scheme that the Federal Trade Commission charged with deceptively using fake news websites to market acai berry supplements and other weight-loss products have agreed to pay more than $1.6 million in settlements that will permanently halt their operation. The two proposed settlements conclude the FTC’s 10-case sweep against online marketers […]

Defendants in Alleged “Forensic Audit” Mortgage Scam Settle FTC Charges

The defendants behind an operation that allegedly preyed on vulnerable homeowners have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they lured people into paying $1,995 or more by holding out bogus promises that they could help them avoid foreclosure and renegotiate their mortgages. The FTC’s settlement order against the Los Angeles, California-based Consumer Advocates […]

FTC Settlement: Tax Relief Scammers Agree to Pay More Than $15 Million

Under an agreement with the Federal Trade Commission, the defendants in a scheme that allegedly bilked consumers out of more than $100 million by falsely claiming they could reduce their tax debts must surrender more than $15 million in cash and assets to settle charges that they violated federal law.  Under the settlement order, American […]

FTC Staff Report Recommends Ways to Improve Mobile Privacy Disclosures

The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s chief privacy agency, issued a staff report recommending ways that key players in the rapidly expanding mobile marketplace can better inform consumers about their data practices. The report makes recommendations for critical players in the mobile marketplace: mobile platforms (operating system providers, such as Amazon, Apple, BlackBerry, Google, and […]

Path Social Networking App Settles FTC Charges it Deceived Consumers and Improperly Collected Personal Information from Users’ Mobile Address Books

The operator of the Path social networking app has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it deceived users by collecting personal information from their mobile device address books without their knowledge and consent.  The settlement requires Path, Inc. to establish a comprehensive privacy program and to obtain independent privacy assessments every other year […]

FTC Seeks Public Comments on Proposed Amendments to the Premerger Notification Rules Related to the Withdrawal of HSR Filings

The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comment on a set of proposed changes to its premerger rulesto establish procedures for the withdrawal of a Hart Scott Rodino (HSR) premerger notification filing in certain circumstances.  As part of the agency’s ongoing review of its rules and procedures to promote efficient government, the proposed rules formalize […]