The operators of a business opportunity scheme have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they defrauded consumers through the sale of a work-at-home program that purportedly provided consumers with their own websites that would enable them to earn a significant income by affiliate marketing with websites of well-known companies such as Prada, Sony, […]
Monthly Archives: March 2014
FTC Requests Public Comments on SCI’s Application to Approve Sale of Funeral Assets in Kansas, Missouri, and Texas to Signature Funeral and Cemetery Investments
The Federal Trade Commission is currently accepting public comments on an application by Service Corporation International (SCI) to sell certain funeral and cemetery assets, as required under the FTC’s December 2013 proposed order settling charges that SCI’s acquisition of Stewart would be anticompetitive. In total, the proposed order requires the combined SCI/Stewart to divest 53 […]
FTC Approves Final Order Settling Charges that Down to Earth Designs, Inc. Made Deceptive Environmental Claims for its Diapers and Related Products
Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final consent order settling charges that Down to Earth Designs, Inc. made deceptive environmental claims for its gDiapers diaper system, which includes a reusable outer shell (gPants) and disposable pad inner liners (gRefills), as well as baby wipes (gWipes). According to the FTC’s […]
U.S. District Judge Finds that FTC Can Sue Deceptive Payday Loan Business Regardless of American Indian Tribal Affiliation
U.S. District Judge Gloria M. Navarro handed the Federal Trade Commission a significant victory in its crackdown on deceptive payday lenders, affirming a magistrate judge’s finding that the defendants in its AMG Services case are within the reach of FTC enforcement actions, even if they are affiliated with American Indian tribes. District Judge Navarro ruled […]
FTC Staff Advises Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities On Dynamic Pricing Proposal for Residential Electricity Customers
The Federal Trade Commission staff submitted a comment in response to a request from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (Mass. DPU) for comments on its investigation of dynamic pricing for residential electricity customers. Dynamic prices are rates that vary over time, based on wholesale electricity prices and transmission congestion conditions. According to […]
How To Submit Your Alternative Scoring Questions During FTC Workshop
The Federal Trade Commission is hosting a seminar on alternative scoring products in Washington, D.C., on March 19, 2014, and invites webcast viewers to submit questions online. Staff will live-tweet the seminar, and take questions via Twitter, Facebook, and email. The seminar, which is part of the FTC’s spring privacy series, will take a closer […]
FTC Charges Arkansas Car Dealer with Not Displaying ‘Buyers Guides’
The Federal Trade Commission has charged an Arkansas auto dealer, Abernathy Motor Company, and its two principals, with failing to display a “Buyers Guide” on used vehicles offered for sale, as required by the FTC’s Used Car Rule. Each violation could result in a civil penalty of up to $16,000. “Used car dealers are required […]
FTC Issues Changes to Textile Labeling Rules
The Federal Trade Commission has issued final amendments to its Textile Labeling Rules, addressing fiber content and country-of-origin disclosures. The Rules implement the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act, which requires that certain textiles sold in the United States carry labels disclosing the generic names and percentages by weight of the fibers in the product, the […]
FTC Announces Agenda, Panelists for Alternative Scoring Seminar
The Federal Trade Commission has announced the agenda and panelists for its upcoming privacy seminar examining the scope and effects of alternative scoring products, which will take place March 19 from 10 a.m. to noon. The seminar, which is part of the FTC’s spring privacy series, will take a closer look at the growing field […]
FTC Testifies Before Congressional Subcommittee on Improving Sports Safety
The Federal Trade Commission testified before Congress today on actions it has taken to help ensure that concussion protection claims made for football helmets and other sports equipment are truthful and supported by reliable scientific evidence. Testifying on behalf of the Commission before the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade, […]